Since his childhood, Vieux Farka Touré has been deeply inspired by the music of his father, Ali Farka Touré. Growing up in Mali's capital, Bamako, as well as in his father's hometown of Niafunké in the Sahara desert - both teeming with rich musical life - Vieux proved himself a precocious talent as a drummer and calabash player. Ali, however, grew concerned about his son's future as he observed his son's budding musical gifts. Having long suffered in the music industry himself before finally finding a home with World Circuit Records, Ali did not want his son to have to have to face the same hardships. He forbade Vieux to play music and decided that Vieux should become a soldier instead. Vieux, as stubborn as his father's moniker FARKA (donkey) suggested, began instead to play along with his father's recordings in hiding, determined to pursue his musical aspirations.
In 1999, Vieux -- now a young man -- decided to take his destiny into his own hands. He enrolled in the National Arts Institute in Bamako, openly defying his father's wishes. It was there that Vieux truly discovered his musical calling, picking up the guitar and beginning to compose his own music. By the time he left the Arts Institute, he was already a locally celebrated guitar virtuoso, able to emulate almost perfectly his father's playing. Word began to spread throughout Bamako that Ali's successor was emerging. It was then that Toumani Diabaté - the world's premiere kora player - first took notice of Vieux, and brought him into his performing ensemble. Recognizing Vieux's abilities, Toumani urged Ali to accept his son's chosen path. Ali agreed, and under Toumani's artistic guidance, Vieux flourished. He performed in France and South Africa and even began to accompany his father on guitar. At the same time, his own stunning compositions introduced new sounds and influences into the tradition of desert blues from Northern Mali.
In 2005, Vieux reconnected with his friend Eric Herman, a North American musician and producer with whom Vieux had played while he was a student at the Arts Institute. Both Vieux and Eric realized that it was time that Vieux record his debut album. They quickly got to work in the studio. Toumani agreed to contribute his awesome talent on two of the tracks. Meanwhile Ali - growing increasingly ill with cancer - offered his final recordings to Vieux's self-titled debut album, the ultimate expression of approval of his son's path, passing him the torch with which to light his way.
Since then, Vieux has released two more studio albums (Fondo, 2009, and The Secret, 2011), a remix album (UFOs Over Bamako, 2008), and a live album (LIVE, 2010).
Savanne
Vieux Farka Touré Lyrics
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Mais dans d'autres pays, adieu Savanne
J'ai trouvé le métro n'est
Pas un petit boulot
Mais je suis, je suis un nègre
J'ai trouvé le métro n'est
Pas un petit boulot
Mais dans d'autres pays, adieu Sava
nne" is a song by Malian musician Vieux Farka Touré, taken from his 2009 album "Fondo". The song reflects the experience of leaving one's country behind and the difficulties and challenges faced in adapting to new surroundings. The lyrics, in French, express a sense of longing and nostalgia for the homeland of Louisiana (where Vieux Farka Touré was born) and the town of Savanne, but also acknowledge the realities of living and working in other countries.
The opening lines "J’ai quitté mon pays et ma Louisiane, mais dans d’autres pays, adieu Savanne" (I left my country and Louisiana, but in other countries, goodbye Savanne) speak to the longing of someone who has left their roots behind in search of a better life. The lyrics go on to talk about the discovery that even seemingly menial jobs like working in the metro are not easy, but that one is still proud to be black and endure the challenges.
The repetitive chorus "Je suis un nègre" (I am a black) highlights the theme of resilience and pride in one's identity, despite the obstacles faced. Overall, "Savanne" is a powerful meditation on migration, identity and the search for meaning in unfamiliar surroundings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mikeabene8974
Google Translator:
I left my country and my Louisiana
But in other countries, goodbye Savanne
I found the subway ain't a little job But I'm, I'm a n***er
I left a friend and my Louisiana
But in other countries, goodbye Savanne.
It's like a wise man once said:
Instead of giving us bombs,
Give us motor pumps to find the happy life and have a wisdom life
A great tribute to the late Ali Farka Touré, thank you
@Fahreun
Imagine sitting on a top of a dune, watching an African sunset while listening to this gem
@samarian4762
This is EXACTLY what I have in mind every damn time I listen to this beauty. ❤
@MrElephantmusic
Vieux's father, Ali Farka Toure, is one of the greatest, most heartfelt, most captivating musicians to ever live. He peers down on this and smiles. :)
@C0NN
Love that the album is named Ali
@johannaweber9023
Khruangbin - my most favorite band in my life. They were flying through the horizon of my spirit one time and still now and forever i will love their music.
Love
@Carini76
I feel you. Well said!
@zoozoopeddles114
I saw Vieux in Bend Oregon at a beer fest. Circa 2009. I was like 2 feet away while he sang Ai Du right to me. I cried as I was going thru a bad relationship. It was the most magical time of my life. That was my favorite song of his too. Not a whole crowd was there but I was up front . Enjoying my secret special life moment. Very intimate.
@genuinecream
I hear you Zoo zoo Peddles and know where you're coming from. Actually I discovered Vieux around the same time when I was bad ridden and ended a bad relationship...
@FilthyFish
Was reading the comments and noticed yours, im from bend too!
@donmiknelli6808
Vieux Farka Touré from Mali playing a song with Khruangbin... must be great! Can't wait another 20 hours!