Malian singer and guitarist, Vieux Farka Touré performed at the Blackberry's sharp nights - masters of world music on December 3 at Blue frog
The World Music Concert aptly named as 'Blackberry's Sharp Nights – Masters of World Music' brought an unprecedented treat for music lovers in Pune. While the concert was opened by the city based Sufi band 'Highway 61', the Malian folk and blues guitarist and singer, Vieux Farka Toure, also often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara” was the main highlight.
Born in Mali and the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Toure, Vieux decided to become a musician in his teens. Speaking to dna, Vieux said, "My father knew the social and family pressures a musician had to go through. So he wanted me to become a soldier, but how could I? Mali is a country of music with a new genre in every tribe, so I was practically grew up with music and a lot many types of music."
Starting as a drummer at Mali's Institut National des Arts, the singer soon started playing guitar. "I played a few songs with my father too. It was in 2005 that I had my first album after which was inspired by my father's music and it was dedicated to him. And now I have 8-9 albums, currently working one with an American singer" added Vieux.
Being able to sing in six different languages, Vieux is one of the well known artists. He also performed at the opening concert for the FIFA in 2011 and mesmerized the crowd with his highly energetic live singing. "As an artist, I find inspiration everywhere I go. People and problems are different in every country and I learn from all. In Mali they say that a musician should not play for himself but for everyone else. All my songs have a message in it - peace, unity, humanity and love" said Vieux
On asking him of how he finds Indian music, Vieux said, "I always listen to Indian music, it is quite interesting and one can learn a lot from it. I also plan to collaborate with Rajasthani artistsor have a song using Indian musical instruments like drums, sitar and harmonium." Having visited India before too, Vieux is sure he is being loved here for his music. According to him a singer can know if a country likes him if they call him again!
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Vieux Farka Toure")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}