Orchestre Régional de Kayes, established in the 1960s in Kayes, Mali, was part of a national initiative to promote regional cultures through music. Under the leadership of Harouna Barry, the ensemble modernized traditional Kassonké music, delivering captivating performances that resonated across Mali. Their 1970 self-titled album, released on the Bärenreiter-Musicaphon label, showcased their dynamic fusion of Mandé melodies and contemporary sounds, featuring standout tracks like "Duga" and "Malisajo" with searing guitar solos. In the early 1970s, the group evolved into Orchestre Sidi Yassa de Kayes, named after the esteemed singer Sidi Yassa, further cementing their legacy in West African music. ([radioafrica.com.au](https://www.radioafrica.com.au/Classics/Kayes.html?utm_source=openai))