Africa’s rising sensation, Vieux Farka Touré, kicked off the university’s fourth year as part of Cityfolk Music series with a performance Oct. 30.

Touré, 26, is the son of world-renowned Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré, a Grammy award-winning artist, who died of cancer in 2006. The father and son were not always on good terms with young Touré’s decision to pursue music.

Born in Bamako, Mali, Touré is one of 11 children. Growing up in his father’s hometown of Niafunké, Mali, Touré was surrounded by music from the beginning. The gifted child started out playing percussion instruments but he found his niche with the guitar. Already a musical sensation in his own right, Touré’s father realized his son’s same passion for music and forbid him to pursue a professional career in an attempt to save him from the callousness of the music industry.

Against his father’s wishes, Touré enrolled at the National Arts Institute in Bamako in 1999. It was here that Touré truly realized his love for music. Already a local celebrity, Touré was discovered by widely known kora player and former classmate Toumani Diabaté.

In Feburary 2007, Touré released his self-titled debut album, “Vieux Farka Touré,” which is continuing to gain the respect of the music world. Rave reviews have been featured in “Rolling Stone,” “Afropop Worldwide,” “PopMatters” and “Billboard.” Billboard.com wrote, “His guitar work cannot but bring to mind the memorable style of his father, yet it’s also evident that Vieux is a major talent in his own right.”

Housed in KU’s Boll Theatre, Touré brought down the house with his eclectic mix of ancient African beats and a spice of reggae, rock and contemporary. David Barber, director of programs, said it was “a thrill for us to have Touré kick off our World Rhythm Series.”

The event was sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and featured 12 songs by the rising star. Touré stood front stage accompanied by a two-piece percussion and guitar set. Though it was difficult to understand Touré’s broken English, the translation of his words were apparent in the passion that came through in his performance.

Encouraging the audience to jump, clap and even sing lyrics in African, he made the event a feel-good time. At one point, a female audience member was invited on stage to dance with Touré while the rest of the audience cheered her on. Some of the more mellow tunes, such as the ninth song he performed, which he assured was “for the ladies,” showcased his talented guitar playing and vocal abilities.

UD was only the ninth stop on Touré’s 26-stop world tour. His next few venues in America include Seattle, San Francisco and Aspen, Colo. The tour will conclude in Glasgow, U.K., on Nov. 25.