SALIF KEITA - Moffou (2002)

Salif Keita (born August 25, 1949) is an internationally recognized afro-pop singer-songwriter from Mali. He is unique not only because of his reputation as the Golden Voice of Africa, but because he has albinism and is a direct descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita. This royal heritage meant that under the Malian caste system, he should never have become a singer, which was deemed to be a griot’s role.
Keita found success in Europe as one of the African stars of world music, but his work was sometimes criticised for the gloss of its production and for the occasional haphazard quality. However, shortly after the turn of the Millennium he returned to Bamako in Mali to live and record. His first work after going home, 2002’s Moffou, was hailed as his best album in many years, and Keita was inspired to build a recording studio in Bamako, which he used for his latest album, M'Bemba, released in October 2005.










A Masterpiece from One of the greatest African Singers, January 27, 2003
By
o dubhthaigh (north rustico, pei, canada)


As much as I enjoy African music, I was totally unprepared for how remarkable this CD is. From the opening moments, the music sweeps you away. Cesaria Evora comes in to intone her magic and you are thereafter transported to a spiritual place of sublime beauty. Keita is regarded as one of the greatest singers ever in all of African music. With "Moffou" he has created his masterpiece.You will find yourself returning again and again to the sinewy turns of rhythm, the percolating bass and guitar lines, the lilt of the African strings and the passionate and delicate beat of the percussion. There is so much here that is wonderful!Keita's voice aches with entreaty, resonates with joy, and dances in celebration throughout the album. The photography and the graphics are beautiful. The musicians are first rate and seemed to have understood the wealth of this material and so bring its treasures to lustrous effect in their playing.It is sympathetically produced. This is not a big production glossy studio effort. It is organic, yet professional. Sublime. All in all, a diamond to turn over and over in your soul.

A Triumph, June 12, 2002
By
"mobby_uk" (London United Kingdom)
I just heard the new album by the great Maliean singer Salif Keita, and was hooked from the first tune. Compared to his last two offerings, Keita returns to more traditional instruments and more soulful singing. The first track Yamore, captivates the listener from the start, and it only gets better with every track. African music is diverse, powerful and very rich, and certainly Keita is one of its best representatives. It is artists such as Keita and Ismael Lo that got me into World Music few years ago and I never looked back ever since, discovering a whole new
musical world, and albums like Moffu only reinforces the pleasure I get from such talents. Music after all is one meduim that transcends cultures, borders, and faiths, and unite people like no other art form can.Buy this CD, sit down, relax and let the sounds of Africa transport you away..

One of the best albums ever...., October 5, 2005
By
L. Purdy "voyager" (Japan)
The music of "Mouffou" is haunting. That is the only way I can describe it. It was one of those special finds during a visit to a local music store. I can not imagine not having been introduced to Salif Keita. This album is by far one of the best music purchases I HAVE EVER MADE! The music is rich and full of emotion - it's a complete musical experience, one which I return to again and again.

Lyrics | Salif Keita lyrics - Yamore lyrics