Global Music Lunchtime Concert Series:Vieux Farka Toure: Hendrix of the Saharas (Mali)

Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara”, Vieux Farka Toure was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Toure, who died in 2006. 
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. Famous for his June 2012 performance at the opening concert for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Vieux captivates audiences around the world through his highly energized live performances, mesmerizing them with the speed and dexterity on the guitar and his palpable charisma and luminous smile. As musicians in Mali face increasing pressure and censorship in today's political climate, Vieux's voice resonates all the more poignantly.