THU 6.17
Salif Keita
insert "ivory ebony" joke here

This renowned Malian singer-songwriter just recently capped off his more than 35-year career in Afro-pop by snagging the "best world music" category at this year's Victoires de la Musique, a sort of French Grammys for people who care about "world music." Now, Keita is touring behind the award-winning album, La Difference, bringing his legendary stage presence and deep, affecting lyricism to Somerville. ... Alright, alright, now that we've made it perfectly clear that he's extremely accomplished and puts on a hell of a show, we'll mention that Keita happens to be albino and a descendant of Malian nobility. Badass.

[Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Sq., Somerville. 617.625.5700. 8pm/$39. somervilletheatreonline.com]