Boubacar Traoré

Boubacar Traoré (born approximately 1942) is a Malian singer-songwriter whose music is often described as "desert blues". He is known for his distinctive raspy voice and his use of traditional African instruments such as the ngoni (a type of lute) and the balafon (a type of xylophone).

Traoré was born in Kayes, Mali, in what was then French Sudan. He began playing music as a child, and by his early 20s he was a well-known performer in his hometown. In the 1960s, he moved to Bamako, the capital of Mali, where he began to collaborate with other musicians and record his music.

Traoré's music is often described as a blend of traditional African music with elements of blues, folk, and rock. He is known for his passionate and emotional performances, and his songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and social justice.

Traoré has released over 20 albums, and his music has been praised by critics around the world. He has toured extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and North America, and he has performed at a number of major music festivals, including the Glastonbury Festival and the Roskilde Festival.

In 2015, Traoré was awarded the prestigious WOMEX Lifetime Achievement Award. He continues to perform and record music, and he is considered one of the most important and influential musicians in Mali.

Here are some additional facts about Boubacar Traoré:

• He is sometimes referred to as the "King of the Ngoni".
• He is the father of the Malian singer-songwriter Afel Bocoum.
• He has been a vocal critic of the government of Mali.
• He is a Muslim.
• He speaks Bambara, French, and English.