Remembering Malian Blues legend: Ali Farka Touré

We remember and celebrate one of Africa’s most talented and internationally renowned musicians Malian great, Ali Ibrahim #AliFarka Touré. Touré died on March 6, 2006 at the age of 66. Africa’s lost a musical genius, a pioneer of the Blues, undoubtedly amongst the greatest guitarists in Africa, and indeed in the world.

Born in Timbuktu, #Mali on the 31st of October in 1939, Touré was a remarkable multi-instrumentalist and musician. He is considered one of the greatest African guitarists.

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Toure’s is widely regarded as the pioneer of a unique blend of traditional Malian music and the North American genre the blues. #Toure is widely known as the Bluesman of Africa because of his unique and distinctive blues style which wowed his legion of fans and won his loads of admirers.

His recording career began in France in 1976, and had 20 albums to his name. He won several national and international awards for his work including a Grammy award (posthumous) for the album released after his death (Best Traditional World Music Album for Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabates album Ali and Toumani 53rd annual Grammy Awards/2011).

We remember this legend through his music, which undoubtedly left an indelible mark and continues to inspire other artists.

Watch: Live recording of the song ‘Debe’, from Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté’s first album ‘In the heart of the moon’. Courtesy of World Circuit Records/YouTube