Welcome to the Afrika Festival Hertme archive!
Salif Keïta, also called the "Golden Voice of Africa", is a living legend with his 75 released albums. The name Keïta indicates descent from Soundiata Keïta, the founder of the Mandingo empire. A person named Keïta is expected to study, become a teacher or hold an administrative position. Because of his poor eyesight, this was not for him. He discovered he could sing well and chose to become a musician.
In 1968, Keïta left for Bamako, Mali's capital, and joined the "Rail Band of Bamako", the orchestra of the railway station restaurant. In 1973 he formed a new band "Les Ambassadeurs", after which he left Bamako for Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, in 1978. There he recorded his first album, Mandjou. This album was a huge success in West Africa and provided Keïta's first significant international recognition.
In 1980 he went to the United States to record 'Primpin' on the album Tounkan. In 1987 Keïta released a new album Soro, whose success earned him an invitation to perform at the London concert to mark Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday. In 1990 he founded the association "SOS Albinos" to help albino victims of oppression in West Africa.
Salif Keïta returned to Bamako in 1996 to open his own studio (Moffou) to help local young artists. He has lived in Bamako ever since.
Keïta performed for the first time at the Afrika Festival Hertme in 2013 and we're grateful to welcome him back in 2024.
Salif Keita, vocals;
Mamadou Kone, percussion;
Mamadou Kone, calebash gourd;
Harouna Samake, n'goni;
Djessou Morry Kante, guitar;
Morike Keita, keyboards;
Gladys Gambie, backing vocals