M’bemba

Pan-African in spirit, committed antiracist, militant for peace and great admirer of Nelson Mandela, Salif Keita is an artist with uncommon generosity who is always getting involved with building bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. These days he is approaching a new turning point in his life. Is it maturity or wisdom? One – or both – of these is pushing him to immerse himself more in the destiny of his own country, to encourage the return of exiles, to motivate and promote local artists and to work toward the emancipation of African music so that it doesn’t only see itself in relation to Europe or the US, but in the context of the land of its birth.

‘Happiness is not for tomorrow, it’s not hypothetical; it starts here and now. Let’s not be overwhelmed by violence, egotism and despair. Let’s not sacrifice ourselves on the altar of pessimism. Let us rise up. Nature has given us extraordinary gifts. Nothing has yet been staked for our continent, nothing is yet lost. Let us at last make the most of its wonders. Intelligently, in our own way, in our own rhythm, as people responsible for and proud of our heritage. Let us build upon the earth of our children and stop pitying ourselves. Africa : it symbolises the joy of life, optimism, beauty, elegance, grace, poetry, gentleness, sun, nature. Let us be happy to be the children of Africa and let us strive together to build our own happiness.’
Salif Keita, December 2001