André-Marie Tala, born on October 29, 1950, in Bandjoun, Cameroon, is a celebrated guitarist, composer, and vocalist whose music has profoundly influenced African soundscapes. Overcoming the loss of his sight at 15, Tala's resilience led him to craft his first guitar from bamboo and fishing lines, igniting a lifelong passion for music. He founded the Rock Boys, later known as the Black Tigers, featuring Sam Fan Thomas. In 1972, a pivotal collaboration with Manu Dibango in Paris propelled his career, yielding hits like "Sikati" and "Potaksina." His 1975 album "Hot Koki" achieved international acclaim, though its title track was controversially plagiarized by James Brown. Tala's innovative "Tchamassi" style fuses traditional Bamiléké rhythms with funk and rock, while his lyrics advocate for peace and unity. Celebrating over five decades in music, Tala remains a beacon of artistic integrity and cultural pride. ([andremarietala.com](https://andremarietala.com/bio/?utm_source=openai))