Maitre Lédy Youla

Mauritanian musician and singer. Born in Boutilimitt, Mauritania in 1948. He became saxophonist in 1970 and played with different Guinean bands such as Boiro National Band. In 1974 he joined the Rail Band of Mali where he played with Mory Kanté amongst others. His exposure as an artist started thereon. With Rail band, Maitre Ledy Youla (pronounce "Lady Yoola") travelled to different parts of West Africa and in 1976, after leaving the Rail Band, he went back to Mauritania where he joined a band called "The National Orchestra". The next year he became the band leader and from there he flew to New York where he took up a high degree course in music. From 1980 to early 1984 he emerged saxophonist of the Ivory Coast band "Les Ambassadeurs", the band of Salif Keita. After leaving "Les Ambassadeurs" in 1984, he moved to France where he had his album produced and released in July of 1986.