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Biography
Great art thrives under pressure, and as an albino born into Mandinka culture, pressure has followed Salif Keita wherever he's gone. Albinism is seen as an omen of bad luck, so he was cast out of his native village of Djoliba when he was 18 years old. As traumatic as that must have been, Keita landed on his feet, moving to Bamako, the Malian capital, and joining the government sponsored group Super Rail Band de Bamako soon afterwards. After spending some time in the band, he left the group to form another one called Les Ambassadeurs in 1973, but trouble still found a way of catching up to him. After the massive political unrest that flared up in Mali in the mid-70's, the band fled to the Ivory Coast, changing their name to Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux in the process.
For the rest of the 70's and the early 80's, Keita became something of a star while in the band, and in 1982 he decided to record and released his first genuine solo album. “Seydou Bathili” was critically adored, and Keita moved to Paris two years later in order for his music to reach a more general audience. Ever since then, he's remained one of the most iconic names in African pop music, a star all over the world who's taken traditional Malian music, and combined it with influences cribbed from all forms of mainstream pop music as well. For remaining one of the true greats of African music for nearly half a century, Salif Keita comes highly recommended.
Live reviews
Salif Keita is very well known in Africa because of his 'Golden Voice' as it's referred to and because he has albinism, on top of that he is also a descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, so quite a man by the sounds of it. He is an Afro pop singer and songwriter, but in his community due to his royal heritage it meant that he was not supposed to go into the music industry but he was passionate about music and worked his way up. He hasn't had the easiest of up bringing's but still managed to make what he wanted out of his life in music. When he was born his family and community abandoned him because of his albinism, which is very common in areas of Africa. In 1973 he jointed a group called 'Les Ambassadeurs', who he fled with from the political unrest that was happening in Mali at the time. He moved to Paris and began his success in Europe for the following years by combining West African music with some areas of Europe and American music styles. He more recently has been seen touring around America and has done very well for himself. It's nice to see someone fight for what they love and succeed, you can see in his performances that he is very passionate and although it may not be the kind of music our generation would think to listen to, he should be given the appreciation he deserves for his talented voice and the battles he has been through. His music is an inspiration to listen to.
ehubb93
Excellent experience. Very dynamic performance of Mr Keita and his band. Fantastic Mr.Harouni on kora. What to say more ! What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !What to say more !
jarek-tyrka
As always Salif was excellent!!! The band and singers were great. Salif interaction with the crowd was great. The only downside was the individuals who got on stage to dance, understand most was great having fun but a few one in particular was doing yoga maybe the music was hitting her that way ! But,It was great.
Walkingdead2
WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE SALIF KEITA BACK TO AUSTRALIA(MELBOURNE).
I AM SURE MOST OF THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE HIM BACK.I KNOW AUSSIE LAND IS FAR AWAY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES BUT WE LOVE AND ADORE TO HAVE SALIF KEITA (THE GOLDEN VOICE OF AFRICA)
muuse-cali-qooreey
The show was spectacular. I gave him a 10 he's amazing singer. The entire music cruel was amazing especially, the dancers very entertaining. I would love to see them again soon. Five star all the way⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
fifihane
This was a fabulous concert! Salif Keita is such a wonderful and generous artist. He connected with the audience and delighted everyone with his lyfics, melodies and voice. I look forward to the next time he is in town!
lili0179
