Maxazine Presents: Salif Keita Essentials (curated by Salif Keita)

Salif Keita is a direct descendant of Soundiata Keita, the prince and founder of his birthplace, Mali. This seemed to predestinate Salif Keita for a career in science, education or government. However, his albinism caused his life to take a very different course: he was rejected by his family because this condition is considered to bring bad luck according to Mandinka culture. His inner drive and talents kept him going and led him to music. He first achieved success in Africa with his powerful voice, after which he conquered Europe and later the world. Keita’s music is deeply rooted in the rich Malian musical tradition, yet at the same time modern, international and universal. In his songs, his homeland forms the foundation for Western pop, rock, jazz and blues, but also for rousing Latin American and Portuguese influences.

As a trendsetter over the past 55 years, Salif Keita has marked his career time and again with global Afropop hits. Not only because of his remarkable voice, often described as ‘The Golden Voice of Africa’, but also because of his openness to experimentation and collaboration. From his very first recordings, Keita’s star status was evident. And now, 5 Grammy nominations and 20 albums later, with global hits such as ‘Yamore’ and ‘Madan’, Salif Keita’s legacy in African music history is undeniable.

Salif Keita Essentials

To honour this living legend, Maxazine called Mali and asked Salif about his musical footprint. The 15 tracks people should listen to to get to know the music of Salif Keita instantly. You could call it his musical DNA. Keita took Maxazine’s challenge very seriously and delivered 15 tracks that together form his Essentials. Anyone who listens to these 15 tracks will immediately understand his music. That is why Maxazine proudly presents the Salif Keita Essentials, compiled by Salif Keita himself:

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