Salif Keita

Salif Keita

Salif Keita (born August 12, 1949) is a Malian singer-songwriter and former professional footballer. He is known as the "Golden Voice of Africa" and is widely regarded as one of the most influential African musicians of all time. As a footballer, Keita played for several clubs in Mali, France, and Portugal, and was a member of the Mali national team.

Keita was born in Djoliba, French Sudan (now Mali), to a royal family. He began singing at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager he was performing regularly in local clubs. In 1967, he released his debut album, "Mandjou". The album was a commercial success, and Keita soon became one of the most popular musicians in Mali.

In 1970, Keita moved to France to pursue a professional football career. He played for several clubs in the French league, including Saint-Étienne, Marseille, and Lille. In 1977, he moved to Portugal to play for Porto. Keita was a talented and skillful player, and he quickly became one of the most popular players in the Portuguese league. He helped Porto win the Portuguese championship in 1978 and 1979.

In 1982, Keita retired from professional football and returned to music. He released his second album, "Soro", in 1984. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Keita as one of the leading musicians in Africa.

Keita has continued to release albums and tour extensively throughout his career. He has performed at major music festivals around the world, including the Glastonbury Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Keita is a committed humanitarian and activist. He has worked with several organizations to raise awareness of the plight of people living with AIDS and other diseases. He is also a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation in Africa.

Keita has received numerous awards and honors for his music and humanitarian work. He was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2002. In 2005, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

Keita is a true legend of African music. He is a gifted singer-songwriter, a talented footballer, and a committed humanitarian. He has used his music to promote peace, understanding, and social justice around the world.