| Guitarist and singer Vieux Farka Touré of Mali has had quite a year. Since his father, Mali music icon, Ali Farka Touré, died of cancer in March 2005, Vieux has released a debut CD, toured the world, and even released a club-ready CD, “Remixed: UFOs Over Bamako.” Vieux is continuing his father’s work—advancing the culture of Mali’s desert north. But the son has also grown his own causes, notably the fight against malaria. Vieux is giving $5 from the sale of “Fight Malaria” T-shirts and 10 percent of profits from his remix CD to Bee Sago, a Malian manufacturer and distributor of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. This young African star is doing his part well-beyond the realm of music. And he’s watching others as well. Here are 10 players Vieux salutes for their efforts toward changing Africa for the better. —Banning Eyre
1. Nelson Mandela
“The person I most admire. Taught us all how to live, behave and believe.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation: www.nelsonmandela.org
2. Ali Farka Touré
“Not just because he is my father. He taught us how to share: ‘Honey is not sweet in only one mouth.‘” www.worldcircuit.co.uk
3. Diadie Sankaré
“A successful businessman and my father’s best childhood friend. Taught us the value of hard work and perseverance.”
4. Cheikh Oumar Sissoko
“Mali’s former Minister of Culture never stopped working to uplift the lives of musicians.”
5. Nick Gold
“My father’s best friend and record producer. Has made African traditions known throughout the whole world.” www.worldcircuit.co.uk
6. Oumou Sangaré
“An example for all African womenÑsmart, beautiful, talented and brave enough to challenge the status quo.” www.oumousangare.co.uk
7. Dierks Bentley
“Works with Bono’s DATA organization. Planning a 2008 trip to Mali’s Festival in the Desert with instruments and equipment to donate to musicians there.” www.dierks.com/site.php
8. Toumani Diabaté
“A father figure to so many West African musicians. Shares his immense cultural knowledge with everyone.”
9. Vusi Mahlasela
“The South African singer’s 4664 Foundation educates youth about AIDS, and fights malaria.” www.vusimahlasela.com
10. Rokia Traoré
”My older sister and a trailblazer in every way. Not afraid to break the mold with her music and her messages.’ www.rokiatraore.net
|
