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SALIF KEÏTA TO SING HIS MESSAGES OF HOPE IN ISTANBUL CONCERT
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Today's Zaman, Salif Keïta to sing his messages of hope in Istanbul concert, 04/01/10 >>
Salif Keïta to sing his messages of hope in Istanbul concert - After his years with legendary bands of the 1970s, the Rail Band and the Ambassadeurs, Salif Keïta became an international voice representing the traditional music of West Africa.
After his years with legendary bands of the 1970s, the Rail Band and the Ambassadeurs, Salif Keïta became an international voice representing the traditional music of West Africa.
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Since he released his debut solo album, “Soro,” in 1987, Keïta has been rising in renown as an African music star of Malian roots.
This weekend, the “Golden Voice of Africa,” who has touched upon an important social issue -- the plight of the world albino community -- in his most recent album, “La Différance,” will be performing live in Istanbul. Keïta will be presenting his music of hope adorned with his poetic lyrics and joyful tunes in his performance Saturday evening at the Cemal Resit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall.
Keïta spoke with Today’s Zaman about his amazing career, his roots and his music and his hope for future generations in Africa.
You have been representing your culture and music around the world for more than 40 years. Have you accomplished all of your dreams as an artist?
No, of course not, it’s impossible to accomplish all I have dreamed of; I always have new ideas.
You made your first appearance with the avant-garde Rail Band and then you were with the famous orchestra Les Ambassadeurs. Did you think about being this famous as a solo artist back in those days?
No, actually it was the result of all the experiences I have been through within those years. I was having amazing experiences with those bands so I took my steps slowly for my solo career.
Your live performance marking Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday was a kind of breakthrough for your international career.
It was an amazing event, I remember a crowd of 80,000 people from different cultures from all around the world at Wembley Stadium. It was a fantastic experience.
Since your debut solo album “Soro” was released in 1987 you have been one of the most popular singers on the world music scene. How do you describe your own music?
In fact, it is hard to describe my own music; my own music is my music. It’s the result of all my experiences; my music is the mixture of my culture and the other cultures I discovered.
The lyrics in your songs are pretty optimistic. How come you are that positive?
There’s no need to be pessimistic. Africa is a very beautiful continent; it’s just inexperienced, it needs to be developed, but it’s a very young continent full of beauty with its people and energy. I am pretty optimistic about future generations.
Critics say your finest work to date is your 2002 album “Moffou,” for which you were nominated for a Grammy. What was the magic about this album?
That album feels so close to me, and it touches the deeper side of me. It’s my first acoustic album; maybe because of this, it feels so intimate.
“Yamore,” your duet with Cesaria Evora, was an international hit. What’s the story behind this song?
“Yamore” is a song about keeping your love for a woman. I guess this is the most important issue in a man’s life. The melody of the song is so close to the melodies of Cesaria’s songs, so I felt like this song suits her voice best from the very first moment.
“La Différence” seems to have more of a pop influence, do you agree?
Not exactly, because I see my music as my own way of expression but there are some pop influences besides many different styles in my latest album.
You also touch upon serious issues like pollution and ecological disasters in your songs. Do you believe songs can help raise awareness of these issues?
Of course, I do believe they can. We have to try every single way to help people understand and care about the situation.
You also talk about albinism in the song “La Différence,” and your peaceful adaptation to raise awareness about this condition. What does this song mean to you?
In that song I am trying to say that every one should have equal rights and that we have to enjoy the beauty of differences, using very simple words in the lyrics. We should not judge people because of their appearance; it’s ridiculous.
You have been to Istanbul before. What do you remember most about Istanbul?
I remember (the last time I performed there) it was a beautiful festival, and Istanbul is certainly a very nice city. I am so happy that I will be there after a long, long time.
Do you know any Turkish musicians from the world music scene through festivals or concerts?
Unfortunately not. I have not had a chance to meet any artists from Turkey yet. The problem is the schedule of our tours. We don’t stay long enough to meet people wherever we go for live performances.
01 April 2010, Thursday
CENK ERDEM ISTANBUL
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OTHER PRESS:
Pittsburgh Post / Wall Street Journal, An African Music Star uses Fame & Wealth to Help Fellow Albinos 01/06/06
>> read review
fROOTS / BBC Radio, BBC Radio Album of the Year 2006 11/01/06
>> read review
>> go to source (web)
UK Guardian, CD Review for La Difference 03/01/10
>> read review
>> go to source (web)
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