Event

Salif Keita

This will be a great experience; you will not want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Salif Keita is a multi-Grammy nominated band leader from Mali, considered one of the most powerful musicians in Africa by Forbes Magazine. The Wall Street Journal counted his show within the top 10 concerts of 2013. His music is currently being featured in the Grammy Museum "Sounds of Africa" in Los Angeles.

Salif Keita was born on August 25, 1949 in Djoliba, Mali. Salif Keita is a direct descendant of Sunjata Keita, who founded the Malian Empire in 1240, however--because he was born with albinism, a sign of extreme bad luck in Mandinka culture--he was ostracized by his family and left home as a teenager. He soon joined up with the Super Rail Band de Bamako, a government-sponsored Afro-pop orchestra, and garnered national acclaim. His choice to become a musician was taboo, as members of the royal caste are forbidden from becoming musicians, a profession generally reserved for the lower jeli (griot) caste.

Salif Keita is appearing at The Sanctuary for Independent Media to benefit the Salif Keita Global Foundation (www.salifkeita.us) for albinism.