Formed in Guinea in the 1960s under the guidance of trumpeter Balla Onivogui, Balla et ses Balladins became one of the country’s most celebrated national orchestras during the post-independence era. Known for blending traditional Guinean rhythms with Latin and Afro-Cuban influences, the group helped define the sound of modern Guinean music. With their powerful horns, hypnotic grooves, and rich vocal harmonies, Balla et ses Balladins remain a symbol of West Africa’s cultural renaissance and an enduring influence on generations of African musicians.