Son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, Vieux Farka Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981.
Following in his Dad’s musical footsteps, Vieux has been referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” declaring since his teenage years that he also wanted to be a musician. His father disapproved due to the pressures he had experienced being a musician and, instead, wanted Vieux to become a soldier. But with help from family friend the kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, Vieux eventually convinced his father to give him his blessing to become a musician shortly before Ali passed in 2006.
Vieux released his latest album, Samba, in April this year and this collection of ten songs are exquisite, blending Malian blues, funk, reggae and rock. Parts of the album are energised fusions that fill you with an irresistible urge to dance, whilst other tracks possess a hypnotic quality that soothes the soul and calms the mind.
Samba means “second born,” his place in his family, which of course was to legendary Malian artist Ali Farka Touré. While many cultures award the head position of a family to the first-born, it is the second child who is often conferred with power in Touré’s tradition. “Samba is one who never breaks, who never runs from threats, who is not afraid,” Touré says. “It is said that Samba is blessed with good luck.”
Taken from this album comes the upbeat delights of, Ba Kaitere, a glorious track that fills my legs with a jumpy, can’t-help-but-dance feeling…listen above and be prepared to dance your socks off! Tonight I am lucky enough to be going to see Vieux play live and I can’t wait…this will be such a treat!
Grab your copy of Samba from Vieux’s Bandcamp page here.
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