Although Salif Keita has been considered a phenomenal singer for decades – hence the nickname 'The Golden Voice of Africa' – he is finally making his debut at the festival this year. The 73-year-old Malian with his characteristic, deep voice comes to Rotterdam with an abundant repertoire and remarkable life story. Although Keita is a direct descendant of the founder of his native land, he was shunned by his family and environment, because his condition of albinism brings ill fortune according to Mandinka culture. Although Keita was a successful artist in his younger years in Africa, he moved to Barcelona in 1984, where his first solo album Soro (1987) also planted him firmly on the European map. Keita's Afropop, which has already generated four Grammy nominations, and allowed him to work with global stars such as Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter, is clearly inspired by the music of his native country, but also features swinging and uplifting Latin American and Portuguese influences.
