By John Terlesky

Afro Pop Phenoms

Afro-pop pioneers Bembaya Jazz was formed in 1961 at the behest of Guinean President Sekou Toure in an effort to preserve the musical and cultural history of that African nation.  The 11-man ensemble, which has reunited with many of its early members, including famed guitarist Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabate, had fallen on hard times.  Help came from Christian Mousset, organizers of France's Mousique Metisses, where Bembaya Jazz started it's comeback.  An album "Bembaya"  (World Village), followed.  The group is mounting its first U.S. tour, stopping Wednesday evening at the Perelman Theater of Philadelphia's Kimmel Center