Born to a famous Grammy-winning guitarist, Vieux Farka Touré dreamed of following his father’s path to becoming a professional musician. He wanted to follow in his footsteps and become a guitarist. In the beginning, his father disapproved of his dream because he knew the pressures of being a musician and, instead, wanted Vieux to continue on another family legacy of being a soldier.
As time passed, Ali became very ill, began to accept his son’s decision, and gave him his blessing. Soon after, the father and son recorded a few songs before Ali’s passing in 2006. With his father’s motivation, his own determination, and his eccentric elements of rock, Latin, and African beats and sounds, Touré has become one of the most well-known guitarists in Africa and across the world.
I got the chance to sit down with him prior to his show in C-U on Friday evening.
Smile Politely: How old were you when you decided to become a musician/guitarist?
Vieux Farka Touré: I was about 22 or 23 when I decided to become a professional musician. Until then I did not know if this was an option for me. My father did not want me to be a musician before that time, you know, so it was not something I was really thinking about until I had finished university and was starting to think about my professional life.
SP: How did you feel when your father first disapproved of your music career? And how long did it take for him to come around?
Touré: I was not surprised about his disapproval. He had talked for many years about his problems with the music business. He did not like the lifestyle and the swindlers in the business. But, you know, after some months of persuading him, I was able to convince him that this was my destiny. He understood this when I was recording my first album and he played on that album to show to me and the world that he was giving his blessing.
SP: Aside from your father, who else influences your music style?
Touré: I listen to all kinds of music from all over the world. Of course, what influences me the most is blues music. BB King, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal, Jimi Hendrix. These guys have had a major influence on me. Also, my second father, Toumani Diabaté and my cousin Afel Bocoum. These guys were my mentors as I was growing up in music.
SP: Do you have any favorite American artists?
Touré: BB King, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal, and Jimi Hendrix. Those are my guys.
SP: How was it performing at the FIFA World Cup, and what were your initial feelings when you found out that you were able to perform?
Touré: Of course, this was a very exciting moment for me. Honestly, I did not believe my manager when I got the news. Me? At the World Cup? It sounded totally crazy. Why would they want me and my music there? But I understood quickly that this was a tribute to Africa, in general. It was a huge honor and an incredible experience.
SP: If you could work with any other artist for a collaboration, who would it be and why?
Touré: Wow, that is a very good question. I think I will say Jay-Z. I love his music and I really respect him. I think it would be a lot of fun to work with him.
SP: What should we expect from you in the near future?
Touré: I dont know, but if you find out the answer please share it with me! [laughs] That is what I like the most about my career in music. I know only what I am going to be doing for the next few months, but never the next few years. I like to remain very open to different possibilities and opportunities because you never know what is coming around the corner. This way, you keep your eyes open to good things that come. If you are thinking, “I will do this in five years,” then you are going to close your mind to the other possibilities. This is not good for me.
Vieux Farka Touré will be performing as a part of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ OUTSIDE at the Research Park on Friday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. The show is free and open to all ages.