Interview with Salif Keita

Salif Keita is known as the Golden Voice of Africa. He's become one of the most popular African musicians of all time due to his breathtaking voice, and his trail-blazing courage. That courage is on full display on his new album, La Différence. I had the honor of speaking to Salif about his new album, his decision to become a musician, and his upcoming N. American tour:

Marc Gabriel Amigone: You're about to embark on a N. American tour. Are there any dates in particular to which you're especially looking forward?


Salif Keita: I’m very happy to return to America and to see my American fans again.


MGA: How has the reception to African popular music changed in your eyes from the beginning of your career until now?


Salif Keita: Yes of course, it has really evolved and changed a lot because there are more and more collaborations between musicians, so it has become on a much more global scale.


MGA: As a pioneer of the World music genre, have you struggled at all in your career with not being able to escape the label of "World Music Artist?"


Salif Keita: Well in fact it’s a label the music industry has created. It’s not World Music, it’s African music. But the positive part is that it has helped African music to be known all over the world.

MGA: Right, personally I very much dislike the term “World Music” because it suggests two worlds from which music comes when in reality all music comes from THE world. Fela Kuti always hated the term World Music because it suggests its second class music.

Salif Keita: Voila, that’s it.


MGA: You make a powerful statement about Albinism on this album as well as about several other issues. Why did you feel that now is the time to make that statement?


Salif Keita: I feel that now is the time to stop atrocities and human sacrifices that are committed against albinos all over Africa. All over Africa, in Burundi, Tanzania, many regions of Africa. Albino people are killed, and sacrificed, and now is the time to stop, so that’s the reason why the message is so strong.


MGA: For those who are not familiar, could you please describe the dangers and obstacles Albinos face in African societies?


Salif Keita: Apart from human sacrifices, they are murdered, their body parts are sold on the black market. It’s really terrible.

MGA: On La Différence, you speak out most prominently about the discrimination of Albinos. To which other issues do you feel your message of tolerance could also be applied?

Salif Keita: The other concerns and issues that are occurring in Africa right now are desertification and degradation of nature. For instance, a lot of people earn their living by logging to the point where no forests are left on the continent. Pollution is also a big issue. Rivers are drying up. All these environmental issues are what I’d like to talk about.

MGA: Due to your royal lineage, it went against societal practices for you to become a musician. If you were not an albino and ostracized by your family as a result, do you think you would’ve gone on to become a musician?

Salif Keita: [If I wasn’t an albino] I would’ve done something totally different.

MGA: That was my thought exactly, since you were already outcast, it affected your decision.

Salif Keita: For me it was a way to go against my lineage. It actually helped other people, noble people, to stand up and take up music as well. It could’ve been a double-exclusion, but I still did it.


MGA: You use your platform as a musician and celebrity to affect change both in the statements you make as an artist as well as through your foundation. Do you feel that popular African musicians do enough to use their money and status to affect change in their home countries?


Salif Keita: Once you are known and you have an audience, it becomes your duty to really speak out and be a spokesperson for other people who don’t have that opportunity. So yes it is a duty.


MGA: You incorporate a wide variety of instruments on La Différence from a variety of regions and cultures. For instance, on Gaffou, you feature the oud alongside the n'goni and kora and other strings. Could you describe why you chose those instruments and what they have in common?


Salif Keita: They can complete each other. They compliment each other very well.

MGA: What would you say is the cultural significance of the oud and kora complimenting each other so well.

Salif Keita: Well, African music and middle-eastern music sound very well together. It’s good to be able use the two sounds together.


MGA: Could you describe the emotion behind the last song on your album, Papa?

Salif Keita: It’s a very emotional song since it talks about my father, who at first was not able to understand me, but then went on to become my confidant and my friend.

MGA: Could you elaborate on that a bit? How would you describe your relationship with you father?

Salif Keita: At first, since he had no information about what albinism is, he was not able to grasp, to understand what I am, but after that we became best friends. He became my best friend.

Chico Mann @ Glasslands Tonight

Chico Mann, my personal favorite musical act on the planet, is throwin down tonight at Glasslands in Williamsburg. If you've never seen Chico Mann in the flesh, and you have the ability to get to Williamsburg tonight, no legitimate reason exists for you not to be at this show. Seriously.

Underground System at Public Assembly May 20th

One of the newer Afrobeat bands on the BK scene, Underground System, are throwin down for their monthly jam at Public Assembly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this Thursday night. They'll be joined by roots dub outfit Top Shotta and DJ Trainwreck.

Dirty Drummer-Chase The Barber EP

Dirty Drummer is a North Carolina based beatmaker whose people recently reached out to me regarding his new EP, Chase The Barber. While I'd never heard of Dirty Drummer before, I was immediately affected by the densely funky beats he's created. While I'm of the opinion the songs could be about four times as long, there's no denying they're jam-packed with hard-hitting breaks.

Album Review: Earthology-Whitefield Brothers

Earthology, the long-awaited sophomore album from The Whitefield Brothers out January 2010 on Now Again Records, represents the next chapter in the largely untold funky saga of Jan and Max Whitefield. Their debut LP, In The Raw, was an underground classic celebrated by those who heard it as one of the most intensely funky records recorded in the last twenty years. Earthology picks up where In The Raw left off, and goes in an entirely new direction.

Jan and Max Whitefield are more widely recognized as founding members of The Poets of Rhythm, German recording artists on the Daptone roster. They traveled from their native Munich to New York to record In The Raw in 2001. They used stripped down funk grooves combined with traditional African music samples to foster an irresistibly funky sound. Almost as soon as the record was cut (featuring now legendary funk revivalists Neal Sugarman, Gabe Roth, and Leon Michels of the El Michels Affair) it was out of print and all but forgotten. That is until Now Again Records re-issued and re-introduced the record to the world in 2006.

Now in 2010, The Whitefield Brothers have returned to continue on their funky mission. This time around they’re looking past Africa for their inspiration, sampling sounds, time signatures and instruments from everywhere from Indonesia to Ehtiopia. They also widen their approach to include hip-hop verses from MC’s like Percee P, MED, Mr. Lif, and Edan. Other guests include El Michaels Affair and Quantic.

While the same distorted funk sound is definitely present on this record, fans of In The Raw should not expect the same theme to be continued. This record is something different, the next step in the Whitefield Brothers’ progression. They take their raw funky dissonance to the next level on Earthology, expanding their horizon to include sounds and influences from new places and cultures. If you dug In The Raw, you’ll dig Earthology; just don’t expect more of the same.

Whitefield In Paris from MASSCORPORATION.COM on Vimeo.

Lagos Disco Inferno

If you've ever wanted to transport yourself to late 1970's Lagos, Nigeria, now you have the chance. Lagos Disco Inferno, the compilation of Nigerian disco, funk, and rock compiled by Frank Gossner, aka DJ Soulpusher, is an insanely danceable collection of songs capable of triggering an uncontrollable dance party at any moment. Featuring heavy-hitters from the late 70's Lagos music scene like Geraldo Pino, Asiko Rock Group, and BLO, this is music you don't hear everyday.

Frank Gossner is a legendary crate digger. He's made a name for himself with his blog, Voodoo Funk, where he documents his record collecting trips to West Africa. Anyone who's heard him spin can vouch for his ridiculously deep collection of obscure African gems. He collaborated with Daptone Records in 2009 to re-issue Pax Nicholas' forgotten Afrika 70 gem. Lagos Disco Inferno is his second re-issue project, and I believe he has more planned.

While not every track on the album is disco, every song will make you dance. The first time I heard this album, I immediately tracked it down on vinyl, and spun it at my next dj gig. This album is most definitely best administered in like-minded company and with generous doses of cold, alcoholic beverages.

Album Review: El Existential-Grupo Fantasma

El Existential, the new album from Grupo Fantasma out May 11, 2010 on National Geographic Records, is an energetic, free-flowing, collection of songs that blend a diverse array of elements and sounds. Following their Grammy-nominated third album Sonidos Gold (2008), Grupo Fantasma has made a name for themselves for their ability to combine Latin musical styles with psychedelic rock and funk elements to forge a trademark style all their own. El Existential exemplifies that style from start to finish.

The range on this album is truly impressive. They go from downtempo Cumbia to hard driving rock from song to song. Certain songs like Realizando, the album’s first track, emphasize the psychedelic funk aesthetic, which fosters an interesting mix with the accompanying more traditional-Latin sounding horns, vocals and percussion. The band’s horn section really makes it presence felt throughout the album. The multi-layered rhythm section provides a vibrant backdrop over which the horns resound.

El Exisential was recorded in the band’s home studio in Austin. GP purposely avoided the corporate studio route to immerse themselves in a collectively occupied homestead, so they could create communally in a non-corporate, domestic atmosphere engineered to foster collaboration and experimentation. You can hear the homemade, analog production quality when you listen to the album. Similar to Daptone Records’ signature sound, the soul and character comes across through the speakers.

This album was my introduction to Grupo Fantasma, and it made a great first impression. The album drops in a little over a week, definitely check it out.

Giant Panda and The Superpowers Tonight at The Mercury Lounge

If you're in NYC and looking to catch two tight bands, check out Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and The Superpowers tonight at The Mercury Lounge. Giant Panda is a road-tested veteran crew of musicians who've made a name for themselves all over the country for their laid back but tight grooves. The Superpowers are an equally experienced group of musicians that are capable of kicking out some serious afrobeat jams. Definitely a show not to miss.

Africa Africa Africa Mixtape

If you've never heard of DJ Underdog, it's about time you have. He's known for inciting afro-influenced dance parties in the Metro-Atlantic region, contributing to a multi-cultural health conscious blog, as well as putting out legendary mixtapes. Africa Africa Africa, is his latest, and having heard it for the first time today, it doesn't disappoint.

The Afro-Dub Sessions @ Rose Live Music-This Saturday Night

If you can find your way to Brooklyn this Saturday night, you will forever regret not coming to this party. I'll be on the decks at Rose Live Music along with Brian Shimkovitz from Awesome Tapes From Africa, and resident SLF selectors DJ Linh, DJ Q Mastah, and DJ Lil' Tiger. NY's finest live Afro-Dub collective, Super Hi-Fi, will be hitting the stage. For lovers of African music, this is a night not to be missed.

Zozo Afrobeat Speaks out Against Mugabe

Zozo Afrobeat, a NY afrobeat ensemble led by Egypt 80 vet and Akoya frontman Kaleta, have released a new video calling out Robert Mugabe for his crimes against humanity in Zimbabwe. Zozo will be throwin down this Friday night at Zebulon in Williamsburg. Having seen Zozo several times, I can vouch for their ability to make people dance. Check the video:

Album Review: Madlib Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta in Africa-Madlib

Madlib, one of the most distinctively inventive DJ-producers on the planet, has given African music fans a gift. Madlib Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta in Africa, out March 23, 2010 on Stonesthrow Records, is a 44-track masterpiece that draws on a variety of African musical styles from different corners of the continent. Listening to this album is like watching a documentary about Africa in an acid dream.

Madlib uses his characteristically smooth production style to create a transformational soundscape. Almost every track on the album is under two minutes. The grooves are tight and catchy, but they change frequently and don’t always segue easily. Madlib uses the regular changes of pace to his advantage, however, incorporating a wide variety of samples and cuts. It’s almost as if he has musical ADD, changing styles and rhythms every two minutes and cramming as much into every track as possible.

The running commentary from a 1950’s documentary sounding voice sets the mood throughout the album. Madlib seeks to introduce people to the African continent and the diversity of sounds therein. He functions as a musical tour guide, exposing listeners to sounds and influences even avid African music fans will find enlightening.

Madlib has created something that is entirely new and original, yet pays homage to a plethora of established African musical styles. Some tracks are smooth and refined almost like mainstream hip-hop beats, while others are rough and ragged like putting on an old record you found in your uncle’s basement.

Whether you love African music, or simply respect the wizardry of Madlib, this album is totally worth exploring. It will broaden your horizons and make you re-examine conventional hip-hop beats at the same time. Hip-hop wouldn’t be possible without Africa, and Madlib exemplifies exactly how and why.

Kora Afrobeat Remix Contest

Akwaaba, the fair trade record label doing the most to expose popular African musical styles from every corner of the continent, is throwing a remix contest. Jali Bakary Konteh, a Gambian Kora player, is releasing one of his tracks here. The best remix will be selected and released by Akwaaba. Try your hand at using the album as inspiration for your own creation.

Vieux Farka Touré April US Tour

Vieux Farka Touré has evolved from a young talented African musician into an established star in the international music community. He's on the bill for the July World Cup Celebration Concert along with BLK JKS, Angelique Kidjo, Amadou and Mariam, Parlotones, South African legend Vusi Mahlasela, Tinariwen, The Black Eyed Peas, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, and Shakira. He's touring the US this April playing fourteen dates in sixteen days. If you've never seen Vieux in concert before, definitely take advantage of the opportunity:

Check out the interview I did with Vieux in July of 2008

4/11/10 – Ithaca, NY – The Haunt
4/12/10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Rex Theater
4/13/10 – Cleveland, OH - The Grog Shop
4/14/10 – Cleveland, OH – Case Western
4/15/10 – Chicago, IL – Martyrs
4/15/10 – Chicago, IL – Center For Inner City Studies
4/17/10 – St. Louis, MO - Billiken @ St Louis University
4/20/10 – Hattiesburg, MS – Thirsty Hippo
4/21/10 – Tallahassee, FL – Engine Room
4/22/10 – Athens, GA - New Earth Music Festival
4/23/10 – St. Petersburg (Tampa), FL – State Theater
4/24/10 – Miami, FL - Transatlantic Festival @ North Beach Bandshell
4/26/10 – Washington, DC – DC9
4/27/10 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge

2000 Got to Be Black

The Black Power! EP Part 2: 2000 Got to be Black from Yogstar on Vimeo.

Afrofunky Tomorrow Night

Brooklyn's Afrofunkiest Dance Party is going down tomorrow night at Cameo in Williamsburg. Hosts Zongo Junction are joined by The People's Champions, The Drumadics, and DJ Offbeat this month. $5 before 10pm, $7 after. If you're in BK and looking for some Afrofunky flavor, you'll be sure to find it here.

Album Review: Seahorse and The Storyteller-Michael Leonhart and the Avramina 7

Seahorse and The Storyteller, the new album from Micheal Leonhart and Avramina 7 out April 20, 2010 on Truth and Soul Records, is far and away one of the most interesting albums I’ve heard in a long time. The impressive musicianship, the tight rhythms, and the diverse instrumentation all make this album extremely unique.

Michael Leonhart is a veteran musician who has performed with an impressive roster of musicians from A Tribe Called Quest to Yoko Ono. At age 17, he became the youngest person to win a Grammy in the award’s history. His work as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger has gained him various accolades and awards since.

On Seahorse and The Storyteller, Michael Leonhart has recruited an all-star roster of musicians, mostly veterans of the Brooklyn-Daptone scene including Luke O’Malley, Binky Griptite, Tommy Brenneck, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon, Stuart Bogie, Dave Guy, and Mike Williams. If you’re a fan of bands like Budos Band, Antibalas, The Dap-Kings, Superhuman Happiness, or any of the other musicians responsible for the tight funky sound emanating out of Brooklyn these days, I guarantee you will dig this album.

From start to finish, this is a concept album. The lyrics are abstract, and the mood is other-worldly. A wide array of influences and sounds are combined to foster a trademark energy and vibe. While on the road with Steely Dan in 2005, Leonhart came up with the idea to record a concept record that would meld the styles of Bollywood funk scores, 60's psychedelic rock, and the mythical storytelling of artists like the Beatles and Donovan. Seahorse and The Storyteller is a modern kaleidoscope opera that in the words of Leonhart, "tells the story of two mythical creatures who meet, fall in love and begin piecing together the mysteries of each other’s past."

Listening to this album is like riding in a time-travelling space ship bouncing from Bollywood to Abbey Road to Brooklyn. While the lyrics might freak you out a bit, the funky grooves and tight horns will definitely make you dance. This is an album definitely worth checking out. It gives new meaning to the word unique.

Choc Quib Town-Columbian Hip Hop

Columbian hip-hop group Choc Quib Town are one of the hottest acts on the global hip-hop scene today. Incorporating American hip-hop, reggaeton, funk, and a host of S. American musical styles, Choc Quib Town have a vibrant sound highlighted by lead mc Gloria Goyo Perea. Her ability to sing as well as rap make her a versatile double-threat. The group was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 09 for best new artist, and they show why on their new album, out February 16, 2010 on Nacional Records, the label doing the most to push the envelope in contemporary Latin music.

Album Review: I Learned The Hard Way-Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings new album I Learned the Hard Way, out April 6th on Daptone Records, is the latest chapter in the soul saga of Sharon Jones. Less funky, more soulful, this album is slower and deeper. Less of a dance party and more of a soul-session, Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings have more to say this time around. In the same way 100 Days, 100 Nights, their third album, represent a progression and maturation from their first two releases, I Learned the Hard Way is the next step in their evolution.

The French horns in the opening few bars of the album are a sign of what’s to come: down-tempo, soulful songs that tell a story and convey emotion. Woeful ballads like Window Shopping and The Game Gets Old reflect the mature, well-traveled identity of the band. The intricate horn arrangements on instrumental tracks like The Reason tell a little story all their own.

Better Things, my favorite song on the album, is a more upbeat display of maturity, but it still expresses an urgent dissatisfaction. The band is getting older and has already proved they can play infectiously funky music. Now they’re putting out music that’s honest, music that conveys their weathered emotions.

Mama Don’t Like My Man is a hand-clapping, raw soul song that speaks to the authentic down-home style at the core of who Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings are. Simply a guitar, bass, some hand-claps, foot-stomps, and harmonized vocals combine to create as true and soulful a song you’re likely to hear.

Honestly, I was a little surprised when I heard this album for the first time. I was expecting some raw funk, authentic dance music. This album isn’t that. It’s more than that. It’s raw, authentic soul music that tells a story. Put on one of their earlier albums if you want to have a dance party.

Album Review: Rise and Shine-Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars

Rise and Shine, the new album from Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars out March 23rd on Cumbancha Records, is a celebration of life, music, and overcoming adversity. Recorded both in Freetown, Sierra Leone and New Orleans, Louisiana, a multitude of styles and sounds are blended in thirteen tracks that tap into a sincere commonality and diversity at the same time.

New Orleans style horns contribute to an already interesting mix of reggae and Sierra Leonie traditional songs. All three styles have common roots, fostering a globalized fusion of sounds that take on the identity of the well-traveled musicians. Serving as the cultural ambassadors of Sierra Leone, The All-Stars have toured the world several times and are about to embark on a US tour in support of their new album.

It’s a perfect match both musically as well as philosophically for The All-Stars to team up with some of New Orleans best horn players. Both groups of musicians have dealt with losing their homes and overcoming incredible adversity. That resiliency is apparent throughout the album. A range of emotions is on display from song to song, in true New Orleans fashion, expressing a melancholy downtrodden vibe on songs like Bend Down the Corner and Dununya but then turning around with upbeat tracks like Tamagbondorsu and Jah Come Down.

Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars ability to use their harrowing experiences as inspiration for truly beautiful music is a powerful message to the rest of the world. What I love the most about this album is the happy, upbeat mood they convey while still managing to include the other end of the spectrum. The All-Stars Represent how contemporary African musicians are synthesizing different influences, both modern and traditional, to create a new original sound.

As I said before, they’re touring the US to promote their new album. Definitely check them out and see what they’re all about. US Tour Dates:

April 7 Burlington, VT Higher Ground

April 10 Woodstock, VT Woodstock Town Hall Theatre

April 11 Allston, MA Harper’s Ferry

April 12 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live

April 14 New York, NY Highline Ballroom

April 16 Vail, CO Downtown Vail, Outdoor Stage Spring Back to Vail

April 17 Dallas, TX Granada Theater

April 18 Austin, TX Auditorium Shores Austin Reggae Festival

April 20 Austin, TX Flamingo Cantina

April 21 Little Rock, AR Revolution Music Room

April 22 Memphis, TN Hi Tone Cafe

April 23 Nashville, TN Alumni Lawn, Vanderbilt University

April 24 New Orleans, LA House of Blues – The Parish

April 25 Lafayette, LA Jefferson Street Stage Festival International de Louisiane

April 27 Atlanta, GA Smith’s Olde Bar

May 2 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

May 5 Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe Brewing Company

May 6 Flagstaff, AZ The Green Room

May 7 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theater

May 8 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Museum Music Theater

May 9 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Museum Music Theater

May 11 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up

May 12 West Hollywood, CA The Roxy

May 14 Santa Cruz, CA Moe’s Alley

May 15 San Francisco, CA The Independent

May 18 Bend, OR Tower Theater

May 19 Seattle, WA Triple Door

May 20 Portland, OR Berbati’s Pan

May 22 Salt Lake City, UT Washington Square Living Traditions Festival