West Long Branch (New Jersey), USA – Kultur Video pays homage to the legendary, late Grammy Award winning world musician, Ali Farka Touré, with the release of the documentary A Visit To Ali Farka Touré, available on DVD May 30. The African singer and guitarist was known throughout the world for his innovative music and his deep commitment to improving conditions in his homeland. His recent death caused worldwide lament, and this documentary gives his fans an exclusive glimpse into his life, his music and his community.
Filmmaker Marc Huraux takes viewers to Ali’s homeland in Mali, Africa. Marc provides an unprecedented look at the world music legend as the two converse, and discuss Ali’s personal memories – from his early childhood up through recent events. An illuminating documentary about a man who gave up touring and recording sessions at the end of his career to preserve his link between his music and its source in deep Mali, A Visit To Ali Farka Touré, provides an intimate look at a remarkable man devoting much of his time, energy and resources toward improving conditions in his homeland.
The documentary features live performances from Mali Dje, Gomni, Chanson sur Niafunke, Keito and Tulumba. Conversations with Samba Toure, Afel Bocoum, Oumar Diallo Barou, Oumar Toure, Djeneba Doukoure, Hamma Sankare, Concano Yatara, Souleyman Kane and Yoro Cisse provide a compelling look at the man and his music.
Ali Farka Touré is recognized as one of the pioneers of “Mali Blues” – a mixture of contemporary African music and blues. His music quickly spread throughout West Africa and gained a successful career as he toured widely in Africa, Europe and the U.S.
Toure was honored with his first Grammy Award for Talking Timbuktu and then a second Grammy for his album in collaboration with another famous Malian musician, Toumani Diabate, In the Heart of the Moon.
After a long battle with cancer, the musician passed away on March 7, 2006, but he will forever remain a legend through the power of his music and his influence in society.
A Visit To Ali Farka Touré is presented in Full Screen picture and 5.1 Dolby Digital and has a suggested retail price of $19.99. The run time is 63 minutes and the catalog number is DC10006.
“You can change society through music, and where there is injustice in the world, music must point it out.” — Ali Farka Touré
Buy A Visit To Ali Farka Touré
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central