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Somerville News, Concert Preview >>
6/9/2010 6:00:00 AM
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Africa's golden voice to shine on Somerville
Ashley Troutman
The artist called "the king of world music" is coming to Somerville.
Salif Keita has captured audiences around the globe with his powerful vocals and engaging performances for decades. On June 17 he will perform at The Somerville Theatre.
Credited as a founder of the Afro-pop genre, Keita is a pioneer in the music industry. His smooth melodies and West African rhythms create a layered sound that is relaxing, yet upbeat.
In 1960, Keita started playing music in the streets of his native country, Mali. Ten years later, he got his first break and was asked to play in a state sponsored band.
A combination of his voice, guitar, keyboard, and saxophone create a jazzy, funk sound, topped with an Afro-beat.
By 1977, the president of Guinea named him the "Minister for Music and Culture." In 1984, Keita moved to Paris to pursue a solo career, and after making three albums, he was declared the "king" of world music.
Critics have called his latest album, La Difference, his best yet. It's the third chapter in an acoustic trilogy, and focuses on the struggles of the albino community.
Born an albino himself, Keita was shunned by his family and community. Through his passionate lyrics, he conveys a powerful message of compassion in hopes that his music will help fight skin color discrimination.
The Executive Director of World Music, a presenter of global culture, Maure Aronson said, "Keita is undoubtedly one of the greatest African artists, and one of the greatest voices of all time."
For his Somerville performance, Keita will play with a ten-piece band, and sing partly in English, French, and Bambara. Keita and his band will perform songs from his album La Difference, plus a few of his classics. | 06/09/10 >> go there
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