Vieux Farka Touré is one of today’s most exceptional and innovative guitarists.
Born in Mali and the son of the legendary desert blues legende Ali Farka Touré, Vieux carries forward his father’s legacy while infusing his music with his own bold style. His virtuosic guitar playing has earned him the nickname “Hendrix of the Sahara.”
Vieux’s work blends traditional Malian sounds with rock, Latin, and other African influences, captivating global audiences with his virtuosic guitar skills and infectious charisma.
Vieux Farka Touré has collaborated with artists like Dave Matthews and John Scofield, and performed alongside Shakira and Alicia Keys at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Yet, it is important to Vieux Farka Touré to return to Mali again and again, for he has a mission for his homeland: to carry forward his father’s music and to keep alive, through his singing, the longing for a peaceful and tolerant Mali.
Since 2007, he has released numerous albums, each marking significant steps in his musical evolution, consistently met with enthusiasm from critics and fans alike. With every release, Vieux pushes his artistry forward. , including in collaborations with other musicians that
His recent work includes Les Racines (2022), a return to his roots with World Circuit Records, and Ali (2022), a global hit created with Khruangbin, earning praise from figures like Sir Elton John. On Spotify, Vieux has over 400,000 monthly listeners, and he now fills venues of 2,000 to 3,000 seats in London. He has headlined prestigious festivals worldwide and is currently working on two new albums.
A true ambassador for Mali, Vieux is dedicated to humanitarian efforts through his charity, Amahrec Sahel, and leads The Ali Farka Touré Foundation, supporting cultural preservation and growth in Mali. His music, spirit, and dedication continue to expand his influence worldwide, making each of his performances an unmissable experience for audiences everywhere.