TURKEY: SALIF KEITA PERFORMS AT ISTANBUL'S JAZZFEST

Record ID: 821821

  • Title: TURKEY: SALIF KEITA PERFORMS AT ISTANBUL'S JAZZFEST
  • Date: 21st June 1996
  • Summary: KEITA SAYING ALL THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN MUSIC CAME FROM AFRICA (FRENCH)
  • Embargoed: 6th July 1996 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: ISTANBUL, TURKEY
  • Country: Turkey
  • Reuters ID: LVAEAYTWJCSFLBL8RFQ590J9J3BX
  • Story Text: Salif Keita, Africa's internationally-known singer of ethnic music, began a series of European concerts in Istanbul last week (June 21).
    Keita performed at Istanbul's "Parliament Superband Jazz Festival" alongside Al Jarreau, Lester Bowie and David Sanborn.
    Keita, who often has his hands clasped in what looks like prayer on stage, says he sees music as a kind of religion.
    "Music is a religion to me. Music is something that comes from the soul. Without putting your soul into it, you can't make music," Keita told a press briefing last week.
    Keita first came to prominence with his 1984 album, "Soro". The album gave the world its first taste of his music which combines traditional African sounds with funk, reggae and jazz.
    "I liken my music to a tree, its roots are African, its body jazz and its branches funk, reggae and other modern music," he said.
    Keita was born to a leading family in Mali.
    After Mali was declared independent in 1960, he worked as a soloist in the Rail Band, set up to protect traditional music and sponsored by the Mali government.
    Keita then moved to Paris after taking part in the Angouleme Festival in 1984.
    His notable albums include Soro, Kon Yan and Amen.
    His latest album, "Folon", will be released late in July.
    The singer will perform in Copenhagen, Milan and Switzerland after the Turkey tour.
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