Salif Keïta - Mali

Salif Keïta, also called the "Golden voice of Africa", is a living legend with his 75 released albums. The name Keïta indicates descent from Soundiata Keïta, the founder of the Mandingo empire. A person named Keïta is expected to study, become a teacher or hold an administrative position. Because of his poor eyesight, this was not for him. He discovered he could sing well and chose to become a musician.

In 1968, Keïta left for Bamako, Mali's capital, and joined the "Rail Band of Bamako", the orchestra of the railway station restaurant. In 1973 he formed a new band "Les Ambassadeurs", after which he left Bamako for Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, in 1978. There he recorded his first album, Mandjou. This album was a huge success in West Africa and provided Keïta's first significant international recognition.

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In 1980 he went to the United States to record 'Primpin' on the album Tounkan. In 1987 Keïta released a new album Soro, whose success earned him an invitation to perform at the London concert to mark Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday. In 1990 he founded the association "SOS Albinos" to help albino victims of oppression in West Africa.
Salif Keïta returned to Bamako in 1996 to open his own studio (Moffou) to help local young artists. He has lived in Bamako ever since.
Salif performed in Hertme twice before, first in 2013 to mark the 25th edition of the Afrika Festival and again a year later with a reunion of "Les Ambassadeurs".
Now that our festival is 35 years old, we are proud to invite him again with his full 10-piece band from Bamako.

Salif Keïta, vocals & guitar
Bah Kouyate, backing vocals
Fatoumata Soubeiga, backing vocals
Guimba Kouyate, guitar
Madou Diabate, Kora
Harouna Samake, kamale n'goni
Mohamed Kouyate, bass guitar
Dauda Koné, djembé & conga's
Mamoudou dit Prince Koné, calabash
Moïse Sagara, drums
Abou Cissér, electronics