Vieux Farka Touré is a Malian singer and guitarist, known for work in desert blues and blues. He grows up in Bamako and in Niafunké in the Sahara desert, and he is the son of Ali Farka Touré, one of Africa’s best-known internationally. He begins as a drummer and calabash player before taking up the guitar.

Early life and musical development

Touré is raised around rich musical traditions in Mali’s capital and in his father’s home town. Although his father initially wants him to avoid a career in music and become a soldier, he continues to practise in secret by playing along with his father’s recordings. In 1999 he enrols at the National Arts Institute in Bamako, where he openly pursues music and starts composing his own work. By the time he leaves the institute, he is already known locally as a skilled guitarist and is said to play in a way that closely resembles his father’s style.

Toumani Diabaté notices his playing and brings him into his performing ensemble. Diabaté also encourages Ali Farka Touré to accept his son’s career. Under that guidance, Vieux Touré performs in France and South Africa and begins to accompany his father on guitar. His own compositions bring new influences into the desert blues tradition from northern Mali.

Recording career

In 2005 he reconnects with Eric Herman, a North American musician and producer with whom he has previously played at the Arts Institute. They begin work on Touré’s debut album, which is released as a self-titled record. Toumani Diabaté contributes to two tracks, and Ali Farka Touré, who is then increasingly ill with cancer, contributes final recordings. The album serves as a formal passing on of musical support from father to son.

Touré later releases UFOs Over Bamako in 2008, Fondo in 2009, LIVE in 2010, and The Secret in 2011. These releases include studio, remix and live recordings, extending his work beyond his debut and establishing a continued recording career.