Known as the golden voice of Africa, Salif Keita emerged in the 1980s as one of world music's first international stars, following an early apprenticeship with now-legendary Malian outfits Super Rail Band de Bamako and Les Ambassadeurs.
Cross-fertilising his native griot traditions and other West African sounds with pop, jazz, Latin and Islamic influences, Keita's music has evolved from largely electric, synth-based fusions to the soulfully rootsy, organic approach of his latest acclaimed album, 2010's La Difference.
Produced by Paul Savage (Franz Ferdinand, Brakes, Mogwai, Teenage Fanclub), Edinburgh-born band Bwani Junction headlined the BBC Introducing stage at T in the Park last year, recorded a session for Huw Stephens and supported The Vaccines and Little Comets. They have performed at a raft of festivals, with sets lined up at Latitude, The Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City and T in the Park, among others.
Tonight’s concert is lovingly dedicated to Jan Fairley: gifted journalist, tireless world music enthusiast and longtime friend of Celtic Connections, who died in June 2012.
Age restriction: Under 14s should be accompanied by an adult.