Vieux Farka Touré

Vieux Farka Touré, often called “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” was born in 1981 in Niafunké, Mali, and is the son of legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré. Despite his father’s initial disapproval, Vieux pursued music, eventually gaining his father’s blessing before Ali’s passing. Vieux began his career as a drummer before secretly taking up guitar and recording his debut album in 2007, blending his father’s traditional West African sound with his own influences. Over the years, he has continued to innovate, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Fondo (2009), The Secret (2011), and Mon Pays (2013). Known for his virtuosity and charismatic performances, Vieux has also collaborated with artists like Idan Raichel and Julia Easterlin, producing genre-defying works. In addition to his musical success, Vieux is a passionate advocate for his homeland, founding charities to support Mali’s cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts. His latest projects, including Les Racines (2022) and a collaboration with Khruangbin, solidify his place as one of the world’s most influential and innovative musicians.