Ostracized by his peers, forbidden to play music and disowned by his father, albino Afro-pop musician Salif Keita (known as the Golden Voice of Africa) left his native country of Mali at a young age. His new album, recorded in Bamako, Djoliba (his home village), Beirut, Los Angeles and Paris, chronicles his experiences with the stigma attached to albinism and makes a plea for tolerance. Keita also addresses such themes as environmental preservation in Africa and recently took home his first Victoires de la Musique nomination for Best World Music. (Emarcy Records)

By RACHELBEAMER

12 France • FALL 2010