Salif Keita in Lagos this week
Malian music
superstar Salif Keita will headline the first VIP Club Nite of
Francophone World Music, which holds at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos
this week.
Known as ‘the
golden voice of Africa’, Salif Keita is one of the most successful
exponents of African music on the international scene. In addition to
his infectious Afro-pop sound, Keita is also an activist on behalf of
his fellow albinos, who are targets of ritual killings in many African
countries.
Jimi Sadare of
Effrakata Entertainment, promoters of the show, which commences at 8pm
on Friday, May 6, said the event is part of activities for the
re-branding of the company’s former ‘Francophonynite’ into a VIP night
of Francophone world music. “The event will be a night of blending the
Francophone with Anglophone; it will be fun. I have been friends with
Salif for close to 10 years, his music has a therapeutic effect on me.
That is why am bringing him for Nigerians to enjoy what I have been
enjoying,” he said.
When asked about
his company’s focus on Francophone artists, the soft-spoken Sadare
said, “It will be my joy to bring recognition to Nigerian acts also. I
discovered Francophone musicians when I was exploring countries like
Mali, Togo. There was so much peace and fun there, and the music is so
soothing, that is what am trying to transport to Nigeria.” He told
reporters that he was the first person to promote a Nigerian artist in
Francophone countries. “Flavour performed in Lome through my company,
and am willing to sell more Nigerian acts.”
According to the
travel and entertainment boss, the VIP Club Nite is targeted at mature
minds, members of the diplomatic corps, expatriates, celebrities and
others. The Salif Keita show will be the first of quarterly VIP Club
Nites, while the Francophone World Music night will hold monthly,
attracting both foreign and indigenous artists to perform for select
audiences.
Also on the bill for the Oriental Hotel show are music acts like the
Afrobeat/jazz band, Ayetoro, as well as deejays from Togo and the
Republic of Benin.
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