Biography

Salif Keïta, born August 25, 1949 in Djoliba (Mali), is a Malian singer and musician. He is the father of the French athlete Nantenin Keïta, specialist in the 400 meters and double Paralympic champion. Salif Keïta is a descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keïta. Suffering from albinism, he dreams of becoming a teacher but is rejected because of his poor eyesight. He then decides to become a singer, traditionally, music is reserved for the griot caste, and the Keïta are a family of princes. He was rejected by his family and left for Bamako in 1968. He joined saxophonist Tidiani Koné's group, the "Rail Band De Bamako". Then i...Read More