6 Reasons Why You Need to See Vieux Farka Touré in Brooklyn

Malian sensation, Vieux Farka Touré has been a master of his craft since the day he defied his parents to become a musician instead of a soldier. Today, he continues to transcend the desert blues genre to the world while adding elements of reggae, funk, and rock. His musical contributions to world of music are unlike any other and this list below will easily convince you to experience his music live at Brooklyn Bowl on Sunday, February 25! 1. All he needs to rock your world is his guitar and some tea Vieux Farka Touré has been continuously recognized and praised by NPR and the Rolling Stone for his contribution to the world of West african rock 'n’ roll. In this Rolling Stone piece, Touré shows us how simple and beautiful his music can be. Watch as he unfolds a carpet and gets down to business amid a desert in Mali, with just his guitar and a cup of tea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwcyz6rpyxU 2. He’s the son of two-time grammy winner, Ali Farka Touré Vieux Farka Touré is the son of late African musical legend and two-time grammy winner, Ali Farka Touré. Ranked number 75 in Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitarists Of All Time, Ali made huge contributions to the music of Africa. Martin Scorcese suggested that Ali constituted the DNA of the blues. Growing up among a highly credited musician made Vieux's decision to follow his father's footsteps, even though Ali initially disapproved. Eventually (and thankfully), Ali came around to the idea and the two ended up recording a couple father-son tracks just before before his death in 2006. Vieux Farka Touré has some big shoes to fill with his father’s recognition and success, however, he has had no problem finding his own voice and proving his musical talent to the world. He continues to carry the legacy of his father with pride, yet he builds to it with his own electronic blues-rock direction. Check out this song Vieux Farka Touré blessed us with in 2011 that blends the sounds of his music with those of his father. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swDT94Jafm0 3. He’s often called “The Hendrix of the Sahara” Known and admired for his percussive dance rhythms, vibrant mix of traditional and Western instruments, and his glorious vocal performances, Touré is often dubbed as the “Hendrix of the Sahara.” Need we say more? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDDBIrQZURU 4. From Dave Matthews to Eric Krasno, Touré has collaborated with incredible guitar luminaries In 2011 Touré released his third studio album The Secret, in which he collaborates with a plethora of rock 'n' roll legends. His single “All the Same” featuring Dave Matthews, is one of his most famous songs on the album. “Lakkal” is another tune in which he collaborates with Soulive and Lettuce guitarist and long time friend of Brooklyn Bowl, Eric Krasno. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGNBS6_0CCw 5.He rocked the 2010 World Cup Opening Ceremony alongside Shakira, Alicia Keys, and John Legend With an established sound and style, two albums under his belt, and a live album on the way Vieux Farka Touré made his way to the top as an elite Malian musician. In 2010, he reached a high point in his career and was invited to perform at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony alongside a line up world renowned artists such as Shakira, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Tinariwen, Rhianna, and The Who! Watch as he represents Mali with pride and a red beret for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert in Johannesburg, South Africa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkushJ1-AUA 6. He refers to making music in a way that's truly beautiful In an interview with Afropop, Vieux Farka Touré is asked about working with other musicians and the connections he's made with them. His response is simple; "Music doesn’t have borders, you know, it doesn’t have any borders. Music is like a highway, it’s like… Like air! Like water! Yeah like air, you can just play with everybody. It’s what I love, I just love to play with everybody… So we have to create; to create you have to play with people and, you know, learn with everybody. It’s very important." We couldn't have said it better ourselves! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBMCHLAEtPg Experience his sensational guitar playing this Sunday, February 25 at Brooklyn Bowl!