Greatest African Musicians: Salif Keita


By Joburg Post

Salif Keita is a legendary afro-pop singer from Mali who, in his illustrious career, has had to deal with a number of obstacles concerning his identity. 

Born of royalty in August 25, 1949, Keita carried both the weight of fulfilling his regal destiny and being shunned as something of a socio-cultural scandal due to his albinism. A direct descendant of Sundiata Keita; the Mandinka warrior king who founded the Malian empire in the thirteen century, he initially wanted to be a teacher, but due to poor eyesight, he ventured into music, a career deemed unfit for a prince. His ostracision by his family and community led to his leaving of Djoliba, his home village, to take his chances in the capital city, Bamako. 

He played in cafés and markets until he was spotted by saxophonist Tidiane Kone, who invited him to join his crew, The Rail Band of Bamako. Each hotel in the capital housed a band who would perform for the visitors in the evenings. The Rail Band performed at the hotel restaurant at the railway station. Keita soon became a star as the band attracted large crowds for its performances. He would eventually change band to take a spot at The Ambassadors who performed at Bamako Hotel, an international tourist attraction. The band toured successfully all over west Africa and finally settled in Abidjan, the capital city of Cote d’Ivoire. Abidjan was more of a bustling city than Bamako. There was also a more distinct musical culture in the city. 


Notable Works
It was in Abidjan that the newly renamed 
Ambassadeurs Internationaux released an incredibly successful first Album in “Mandjou” in 1978. In the title song, Salif pays homage to the Mandingan people and in particular its president at that time, Sekou Toure, who had previously awarded him the National Order of Guinea. It became an enormously popular song and an African signature overnight. Two years later Keita was to fly to America for three months and record two albums, “Primpin” an “Tounkan”. He released Soro in 1987, which became an international hit. He would release 18 more projects, including Moffou, The Best of Salif Keita, M’bemba and the Best of the Early Years. 

Musical Style
South African writer, Bongani Madondo, had this to say about Keita’s tonal proclivities. “Known around the world as “The Golden Voice of Mali”, Salif Keita’s unique sounds blends the traditional styles of his West African homeland with influences from Cuba, Spain, Portugal and the middle east. The key factor to understanding and enjoying his music and beliefs is through his voice. His Islamic-infected voice evokes – noted the wee-known music critique, Simon Broughton – the spectacular mud-brick mosque of Djenne, in his native Mali…Though West African vocalists by their nature have searing, emotion-tinged vocals, it is only a few truly talented artist who are able to use it to soar beyond mere entertainment, prayer or vocal gymnastics. In this regard, the Mansa of Mali is at home with other creative vocalists, such as Youssou N’dour, Mapemnda Seck and Ndiouga Dieng of Orchestra Boabab, among others.” 


Ideology
In an interview with Bongani Madondo, Keita explains his stance on Africanism and African artists making it big in the European market. 
“We are all artists, African artists trapped in Europe trying to make it in a commercial sense. But, also, you should know, and now I speak for myself, I try to speak out against colonisation and continuing oppression of our people. Of course what sells in Europe is what the Europeans want to hear – but we are more diverse than that.” “I’m not an Africanist in a narrow ideological way. I am an African and I am proud of that. I don’t care about politicians. Do you think Bush, Blair or Mbeki care about the people suffering on the ground?” 
–JP

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