Salif Keïta

He is one of the most famous singers and songwriters in African pop music: Salif Keïta, ”Golden Voice of Africa”. As a direct descendant of the warrior king Sundiata Keïta, founder of the Mali empire ca. 1240, he has always remained closely tied to the Manding culture throughout his 40-year international career.

After successes in Mali with the Rail Band and Ambassadeurs, he went to Paris in 1984, where he became inspired by the French chanson and created melodic ballads and flowing African Laments. The title of his new CD ”La Difference” plays on his life as an albino. Because of his white skin color, Keïta was disowned by his family; in his homeland, albinos were routinely persecuted. Keïta fights back with his songs and his own foundation. Now the man with the “goose bump voice” can be seen live in Berlin.