SALIF KEITA - So Kono - LP - Vinyl [APR 11]

LP - Black Vinyl

Legendary singer Salif Keita makes a grand return with So Kono, an acoustic and deeply intimate album that showcases his artistry in its purest form.

Renowned as "the golden voice of Africa," Keita strips back his sound for the first time, reconnecting with his roots and his longtime companion—the guitar. Though he had long resisted the idea of an acoustic album, dismissing himself as "not a guitarist, just a composer," a turning point came in 2023 at the Kyotophonie Festival in Japan. Encouraged by producer Laurent Bizot (No Format!) and inspired by the meditative atmosphere of a Zen temple, Keita embraced this raw, vulnerable approach. Supported by his loyal musicians—Badie Tounkara on ngoni and Mamadou Kone on percussion—he stepped into uncharted artistic territory.

The album’s title, So Kono, meaning "in the room" in Mandinka, reflects its intimate nature. Recorded within the quiet solitude of his hotel room, the project distills Keita’s essence—his powerful, soul-stirring voice carried by minimalist arrangements. Featuring both reimagined classics and new compositions, So Kono is a sincere and timeless work that reaffirms Keita’s place as one of the greatest living singers, transcending borders and generations.

Tracklist: 

1. Aboubakrin  
2. Awa  
3. Tassi  
4. Kante Manfla  
5. Cherie  
6. Soundiata  
7. Laban  
8. Tu Vas Me Manquer  
9. Proud