Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique: Boubacar Traoré (Kar Kar) (Mali)

Musiques d'Afrique Musiques du Mali

Boubacar Traoré was a celebrity in Mali already in the 1960s, when he played for the Malian radio his hits like Mali Twist and Kabeya. Since he only played his music for the radio, this did not give him a living, and for 15 years he disappeared from the music scene, working as a tradesman and as a tailor. In 1987, he resurfaced with his music at the national television. After the death of his wife Pierrette, he left for France, to work and forget. He continued to play occasionally and was asked to record two albums that were licensed to Stern's Records. His music is characterised by his melancholic voice and bluesy guitar playing, based on circular Khassonke rhythms. Born: 1942, in Kayes Style: Mali blues.

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