Boubacar Traoré

Boubacar Traoré

Boubacar Traoré is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Kayes, Mali. Born in 1942, he is known by the nickname Kar Kar, a Bambara phrase meaning “the one who dribbles too much”, which refers to his football playing.

Early career

Traoré teaches himself guitar and first comes to prominence in the early 1960s. In this period he becomes a major figure in Mali and a symbol of the newly independent country. His songs are widely played on radio, but he makes no recordings at the time and earns little money from music, so he works various odd jobs to support himself.

Style and influences

His music combines blues with Arab music and kassonké, a style associated with the Kayes region. This mixture becomes a distinctive part of his sound.

Later career

Traoré’s popularity declines during the 1970s, before a television appearance in 1987 brings him back into public view. After that rediscovery, his wife dies and he moves to France, where he works in construction to support his six children. A British record producer later finds a tape of one of his radio performances, leading to a record deal.

His first album, Mariama, appears in 1990. After that, he gains an international audience and tours in Europe, Africa and North America.

Film

Traoré is the subject of the 2001 film Je chanterai pour toi (“I’ll Sing For You”), which is released on DVD in 2005.