Artist

Ali Farka Touré

1968-2006·Kanau/Niafunké

Ali Farka Touré grew up along the Niger River, in Kanau and then Niafunké, and spent his entire life resisting the framework Western audiences wanted to place him inside. The year that set his course was 1968: he traveled to Bulgaria to represent Mali at an international festival and bought his first guitar there, and that same year he first heard American blues records, John Lee Hooker's above all.

The full story is in Mali Desert Blues.

At a glance

Active
1968–2006
From
Kanau/Niafunké, Mali
Records in the issues
3 (1984–1999)
Original label
World Circuit
Listening guide track
“Diaraby”

Listen

In the Mali Desert Blues listening guide: “Diaraby”

In the issues

  • Mali Desert Blues
    Principal · 1968-present · Members

    Mali Desert Blues is a genre from Mali, Algeria, Niger, Libya (Sahara/Sahel region), 1968–present. Its principal artists include Ali Farka Touré, Tinariwen and Ibrahim Ag Alhabib. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 14 dated events.

Records