Salif Keita in Montreal

Salif Keita is a Malian singer and songwriter, born in Djoliba in 1949. He first became known as a vocalist with the Rail Band and Les Ambassadeurs before beginning a solo career. His music draws on Manding traditions and elements of pop, funk and rock; his best-known recordings include the albums Soro and Moffou, as well as the songs “Madan” and “Yamore.” In 1988, Keita sang at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute at Wembley Stadium in London. He returned to a major British festival stage in 2013 for Glastonbury Festival.