Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique: Ali Farka Touré (1939-2006) (Mali) |
Musiques d'Afrique Musiques du Mali |
Ali Farka Touré is a farmer, and a
singer-guitarist, who plays in a distinct style coming very close to the blues. Based on
traditional songhaï music, he also uses Fulani (Peul), Touareg and Bambara
elements, singing accordingly in one of these languages. Ali was born in Gourma-Rharous, where his father died when Ali was two years old. At age of seven, Ali was sent to his uncle in Niafunke (Niafodié) where he grew up, working hard on the fields. He was not given the opportunity to attend school. Nine brothers of Ali died, but Ali continued to struggle, which gave him his surname of "farka" (=donkey), representing his stubborness. Ali "Farka" Touré is making albums since the 1970s and is still one of the most famous Malian musicians and respected by everyone. A contract with World Circuit and his collaboration with Ry Cooder brought the international acclaim he deserves, although he remained humble and was more interested in farming and helping young artists of his country than in receiving international awards. Born: as Ali Ibrahim Touré, 1939, in Gourma-Rharous (Tombouctou region), died in Bamako 7 March 2006. Style: Songhaï blues. Discography: |
Title | Year | Label | Remarks |
Savane | 2006 | World Circuit WCD 075 | Release date 17 July 2006 |
In the Heart of the Moon | 2005 | World Circuit WCD 072 | Recording session with Toumani Diabate |
Red & Green | 2004 | World Circuit WCD 070 | 2CD album, |
Niafunké | 1999 | World Circuit WCD 054 | |
Radio Mali | 1996 | World Circuit WCD 044 | Compilation of older Radio Mali recordings |
Talking Timbuktu | 1994 | World Circuit WCD 040 | With Ry Cooder |
The Source | 1992 | World Circuit WCD 030 | |
The River | 1990 | World Circuit WCD 017 | |
1987 | World Circuit WCD 007 | ||
Sidy Gouro | 1988 | Sonodisc/Esperance 8448 | |
La Drogue | 1984 | Sonodisc/Esperance 5558 | Rereleased on CD in 1989 |
Ali Touré dit “Farka” [Banga] | 1980 | Sonafric 50083 | |
Yer Sabou Yerkoy | 197? | Sonafric 50060 | |
Biennale | 197? | Sonafric 50032 | |
Spécial Biennale du Mali | 1976 | Sonafric 50020 | |
Ali Touré "Farka" [Bandolobourou] | 19?? | Sonafric 50016 |
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