Think about the things in life that you are passionate about and then consider what you would give up to pursue that passion.  Malian afro-pop singer/songwriter Salif Keita is a direct descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita.  As a royal and under the Malian caste system, he should never have become a singer - it was a lower class role.  Keita made the decision to pursue his passion and become a performer- and as a result, he was disowned by his family.  He moved to Paris and the rest is history.  Keita is celebrating a career that has lasted more than 40 years.

Keita is albino and for his entire life he has had to fight through the predjudice that is associated with his looks.  His latest album – La Différence – is dedicated to the struggle of the world albino community.   The lyrics of the title track call on all of us to recognize that the “difference” is not “bad” and that we should show love and compassion towards albinos like everyone else. 

La Différence is a beautiful song and of course, can be appreciated on its own without too much analysis.  However, the sentiment is worth celebrating – a powerful reminder to see the beauty in the difference.