Vieux Farka Toure

Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” Vieux Farka Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. Vieux was initially a drummer / calabash player at Mali’s Institut National des Arts, but secretly began playing guitar in 2001. Vieux’s self-titled debut album, released in 2007. On this first album, Vieux pays homage to his father and follows Ali’s musical tradition, giving new versions of the West African music that is echoed in the American blues. The album features Toumani Diabaté, as well as his late father.