My favourite West African musician, Ali Farka Touré (31 October 1939- 6 March 2006). Best known for the incredibly beautiful song Diaraby in collaboration with Ry Cooder (pictured above), Farka Touré deserves his international fame to this day. He promoted the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, where the lore of the tribe is passed down through song. West African musician styles are distinct, but exerted a great influence on African-American and Latin-American music. Farka Touré’s collaboration with Ry Cooder helped blend West African and African-American styles. Farka Touré also became Mayor of Niafunké and used his own money to improve the roads and infrastructure for his constituents. His son, Vieux Farka Touré continues his father’s venerable legacy.
