Salif Keita age, children, wife, songs, albums and Instagram
Life at times has a way of throwing shade at you, and if you are not careful, you might drown yourself in self-imposed misery. People say where you come from or your past does not define you; instead, you are defined by your actions and what you carry. Most people do not put this to thought. However, there is a man who defied all odds to become the Golden voice of Africa, Salif Keita.
Source: Instagram
Salif Keita is a singer and a man who is passionate about raising awareness of albinism. As a person who faced the struggles of albinos first hand, he campaigns for equal treatment of the people in the society. His soaring voice gave him the platform to sing his heart out, encourage those that think that they cannot make it, and make him the person he is today.
Salif Keita profile summary
- Name: Salif Keita
- Date of birth: 25th August 1949
- Place of birth: Djoliba, Mali
- Age: 70 years
- Relationship status: Married
- Occupation: Singer
- Instagram: @salifkeitaofficial
Salif Keita early life
Salif Keita was born to the Keita royal family as a traditional prince in a Djoliba village on 25th August 1949. His family cast him out, and the community shunned him for being an albino. Albinism in the Mandinka culture was seen as a sign of bad luck. Still in his teens in 1967, Salif left his home for Bamako and joined a band that was sponsored by the government called Super Rail Band de Bamako, and he began his music career there.
Source: Instagram
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Who is Salif Keita’s wife?
Salif Keita is married to Coumba Makalou Keita. He is a father to Nantenin Keita, a French athlete who is a world Paralympics champion. He is also father to Sidyki Keita and Nahhila Yeelene Keita.
Salif Keita career
Contrary to what many people might think, Salif wanted to be a teacher; it was his dream. Unfortunately, that dream never came to life, and he said in an interview, “I was a good student. My dream was to be a teacher, but in those days, you had to ask the government to find you a post. After I finished my studies, the doctor [at the training school] told me I couldn’t be a teacher because I would scare the children. They also said it was because of my eyes… but I had special glasses and could see perfectly well.”
Source: Instagram
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After he moved out of his home Djoliba to go to Bamako, he joined Rail Band, which played in bars and hotels. He later on in 1973 went on to join Les Ambassadeurs, which later became Les Ambassadeurs Internationales. The music they produced was a fusion of the African local traditional and international genres. The band’s success continued to grow steadily. He left for Cote d’Ivoire, and the popularity of Les Ambassadeurs grew, and Salif received the National Order Award from the then president of Guinea, Sekou Toure`.
In 1984, he went to France and went solo on his career. In 1987, he released Soro (Afrika), which sky-rocketed his popularity and also led him to be invited to Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday. Salif Keita Africa lyrics bring out his deep love for his continent. Over the years, he has released multiple songs and albums and here is a list of a few of them:
- 1987 Soro
- 1989 Ko-Yan
- 1991 Amen
- 1992 Les Ambassadeurs Internationales with Salif Keita
- 1995 Folon
- 1996 Rail Band
- 1997 Seydou Bathili
- 1999 Papa
- 2000 Les Nuits de Bamako
- 2001 Sosie
- 2002 Moffou
- 2004 Remixes from Moffou
- 2004 Madan Exotic
- 2005 M’Bemba
- 2006 The Lost Album
- 2010 La Différence
- 2012 Talé
- 2018 Un Autre Blanc
In 2018, he announced that Un Autre Blanc would be the last album and that he would be retiring.
Source: Instagram
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"When life tries to knock you down, try to land on your back because if you can look up, you can get up"; these are wise words from the legendary Les Brown that brought meaning to the life of Salif Keita. He is a man who will be looked upon by the younger generations for decades to come. He never walked where the path may lead; he walked where there was no path and left a trail. His music, foundation and life are a testament to life’s true purpose. He is a father, a husband, and to many, he is a mentor that will live on for generations to come.
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Source: Briefly News
