My introduction to Salif Keita was via the song, “Nou Pas Bouger” on an African Music show that ran on NTA 2 Channel 5 on Sundays’ in Nigeria. I remember running to the television set and staring in awe at the wonderful sounds emanating from this man. Our introduction didn’t end there, as I later learnt that he was from a famous Malian Dynasty (Sundiata Keita) that has existed for eons of years. But, the question really is: What will make a royal Prince choose to go the way of the griot?
For those who are unfamiliar with the term “griot”; a griot is a paid performer, their role in traditional Malian society was to inform, perform at weddings, funerals, coronation ceremonies etc. Traditionally, griots are poor because they depend on societies aid and monies to survive. So why will a prince choose this path?
One of the hypothesis spouted is that Salif understood what it meant to not really belong. Being an albino - which in Malian culture is seen as a harbinger of bad luck within his ethnic group (Mandinga) - he understood what it meant to have limited access just because of the color of his skin, and what it meant within his society. He was completely ostracized by his community and his family. This was a driving force to him. He knew that he had a purpose for being placed on earth and he was going to ensure that his light shines regardless of his albinism.
Salif Keita, born August 25 1949, joined the Super rail band de Bamako in 1967, a government sponsored group. In 1973, Keita joined les Ambassadeur but later fled from Mali to Ivory coast because of the political unrest that existed at that time in Mali. In 1984, Salif Keita moved to Paris to reach a wider audience. His music combines traditional Malian sounds with Western Pop sounds. One of the concepts that remains true is his use of Islamic sounds in his music. African instruments that feature predominately in Salif’s sounds are the Kora, Balafon and Djembas. Salif has gone ahead to win so many awards.
On the non-profit end, Salif set up an organization in Mali to educate and inform the citizens of Mali and others about Albinism. His aim is to ensure that these groups of people are seen as people who can contribute greatly to society . His most recent CD is M’bemba which he released in 2005. This is a must listen for any Salif fan.
Celebrate Brooklyn is one of the longest running free events in the United States. Each year, the organizers of this event ensure that African Musicians are showcased. I have watched artists like Kanda Bongo Man (DRC), Lagbaja (Nigeria), Kaisaa (Cameroun) and other musicians perform on this global stage. This year African artists to be showcased include Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Salif Keita (Mali), Habib Koite (Mali) and the list goes on.
I was privileged to watch Salif Keita perform last week Sunday; it was an honor to see a living legend do his thing. It was also wonderful to see how much respect he has garnered as a result of his music.
The crowd was multicultural as I heard so many languages being spoken, when he climbed on stage and started performing - I was again in awe at the great sounds that emanated from his mouth. His reach is so global that a Caucasian lady that was in the crowd climbed up the stage to play her guitar to his sounds.
He didn’t sing my favorite song that day though, but he did sing “Mandjou” which has been redone by Angelique Kidjo (Benin) and Kaisaa (Cameroun).
Enjoy some of my pictures from the event and of course, my favorite video of him (modern version, though I prefer the older one but this is what I could find) and I believe his most political video till date.
[www.youtube.com]
Nou Pas Bouger - Don’t move us
At the time of slavery
At the time of colonization
The whole of Africa suffered
After the abolition of slavery, the whites stayed all over Africa
During the time that France was fighting the Nazi’s
A lot of the fighters were Africans
We fought on the Coast of France
That war wasn’t our war
Neither our mother’s or father’s war
But a lot of Africans died for their war
Now they want us to go back to our country
But no don’t move us
No. No. No.
