Ali Farka Toure (born 1939 in Niafunke , Mali) is an African blues singer and guitarist, known throughout the continent as one its most famous performers. As the first African bluesman to achieve widespread popularity on his home continent, Toure is often known as "the African John Lee Hooker". Toure usually sings in one of several African languages, as on his breakthrough album, Ali Farka Toure , which established his reputation in the world music community. 1994's Talking Timbuktu , a collaboration with Ry Cooder, sold promisingly well in western markets, but was followed by a hiatus from releases in America and Europe. He reappeared in 1999 with Niafunke , a more traditional album focusing on African rhythms and beats. Toure is noted as the mentor to popular Malian musician Afel Bocoum.

In 2004 Ali Farka Toure became mayor of Niafunke.

Discography

• Farka - 1976
• Ali Farka Touré – 1987
• The river - 1990 World Circuit
• The source - 1992 World Circuit
• Talking Timbuktu - 1994 World Circuit
• Radio Mali - 1996 World Circuit
• Niafunké - 1999 World Circuit

External links

• africamusic.org biography
• biography
• worldmusiccentral.org biography
• Biographical Notes by Lucy Duran