Known the world over as "The Golden Voice of Africa," Salif Keita beguiles music lovers once again with his new Decca CD, 'M'Bemba.' Set for release on June 20th, the critically acclaimed singer's follow-up to the 2002 Grammy-nominated Moffou is filled with jubilant melodies and heartfelt passion. Never before has Keita's voice sounded more masterful, tender or moving. M'Bemba, meaning "Grandfather" in the Bambara language, celebrates Keita's definitive return to his musical Malian roots and culture. Credited as one of the founders of the Afro-pop genre, the West African singer is known the world over for his unforgettable live performances, soaring vocals and his emotionally-fuelled songs. The Washington Post observed, "Salif Keita's voice is one other mortals can only aspire to."

On M'Bemba, the traditional instruments such as the ngoni lute played by Mama Sissoko, and the kora played by Toumani Diabaté, evoke the memory of Salif Keita's own ancestor, Sundiata Keita, the warrior king who founded the Mandingo Empire in the 13th century. Representing a genuine piece of family history, the new recording is the first time Salif's foster-sisters join him on record for the chorus of the title track. Also appearing on the album is dancehall/reggae great, Buju Banton, who lends his talents on the upbeat track “Ladji.” The same talented group of musicians who performed on Moffou also join Salif on M'Bemba, including Djelly Moussa Kouyaté on guitar, Mino Cinellu on percussion, the charismatic presence of Salif’s early mentor, guitarist and arranger, Kanté Manfila with Ousmane Kouyaté also on guitar. Manfila and Kouyaté were both in Les Ambassadeurs, a group which Salif joined in the mid-Seventies.

Tour Dates
6/28/06 Washington DC Lisner Auditorium
6/29/06 New York, NY BAM
6/30/06 New York, NY Apollo Theatre
8/4/06 Raleigh, NC Museum of Art
8/6/06 Piercey, CA Reggae on the River
8/8/06 Oakland, CA Yoshi’s
8/9/06 Oakland, CA Yoshi’s
8/10/06 Santa Monica, CA Santa Monica Pier
4/20/07 Princeton, NJ McCarter Theatre
4/25/07 Berkeley, CA Zellerbach Auditorium
4/28/07 Los Angeles, CA UCLA/Disney Hall