Ali Ibrahim “Farka” Touré was born in a village near the Niger River in Mali. He was his parents’10th child and the first one to live beyond age 10, which got him the nickname “Farka” that translates to “donkey”.
At age 17, Touré, who never went to school, started to compose his own music, using traditional instruments along with a borrowed guitar. Ten years later, he discovers the African American Blues during a trip to the US. Like a revelation, he chooses to mix both cultures and releases his first solo album, “Farka”. After years of tours and international success, Touré decides to retire in his old village where he spends his last days devoted to agriculture. However, this didn’t prevent him from releasing two more albums (one of which with Toumani Diabaté) and winning a Grammy award.
Till this day, Ali Farka Touré remains one of the most appreciated African musicians around the world, leaving behind him the souvenir of a simple, generous and immensely wise man.

By Dima Alameddine

 

YouTube and Spotify playlists at the bottom

 

Ai Du – Ali Farka Touré & Ry Cooder

Diaraby – Ali Farka Touré & Ry Cooder

Heygana – Ali Farka Touré

Bakoye – Ali Farka Touré

Hawa Dolo – Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté

Savane – Ali Farka Touré




ASCO – Ali Farka Touré

Kala Djula – Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté

Doudou – Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté

Mali Dje – Ali Farka Touré

Yer Mali Gokoyoyo – Ali Farka Touré

Yenna – Ali Farka Touré

Inchana Massina – Ali Farka Touré

Allah Uya – Ali Farka Touré

I Go Ka – Ali Farka Touré

 




YouTube Playlist:

Spotify: