African musician Salif Keita is an albino: a term used for those individuals with albinism. Albinism, as you probably know, is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. What you might not know is that in some countries on the African continent, these individuals are often killed because of the superstitious beliefs associated with albinism.

Keita’s new album La Difference is a dedication to these people and a statement bringing attention to the cause. While Keita has always been a speaker for those with albinism, this album is the first time he sings about the deeply personal and painful subject. In two performances (8PM and 10:30PM) this Friday, Keita will appear at Bimbo’s 365 with SFJAZZ.

The story of the 61-year-old’s life is the ultimate “rising above all obstacles to achieve greatness” tale. Keita is of royal heritage, which because of Mali’s strict caste system, is supposed to have kept him from being a musician. Being a musician and a storyteller in Malian tradition is the job of a griot. So Keita was outcast from his family and community on two accounts, that of his chosen profession and his condition.

In an interview with afropop.org Keita describes the horrific murders of albinos in Africa:

"There are too many massacres. There are human sacrifices. They are victims everywhere. It's too much. I had to say something. It was time to speak out… In Tanzania there have been massacres, people killing albinos to sell their arms, their feet. To sell their hair. Everything... We're in the 21st century. This is not normal, but it is going on."

La Difference is a celebration of differences. "For me," says Keita, "when a person is different from other people, this is not a malediction. No. One is different from others simply because God has done things differently. Life is beautiful because we are different.”

As an ambassador for other causes like AIDS and Malaria, Keita established The Salif Keita Global Foundation for those with albinism, helping those individuals to take care of themselves.

Saturday, June 12, 8:00pm & 10:30pm
tickets: $35 general admission

DJ Jeremiah will open
Bimbo’s 365 Club
1025 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco 94133
(866) 920-5299, www.sfjazz.org