Since the debut of ‌his groundbreaking album Soro in 1987, the renowned Malian ⁣artist Salif keita, often referred to as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” has captivated audiences ⁢with his rich adn soulful sound. ‍His diverse musical journey includes collaborations with iconic figures such as psychedelic guitarist Santana, jazz legend Wayne Shorter, and reggae star Buju Banton. With​ so Kono, his first release in seven years, Keita presents a refreshingly minimalist ⁤approach that features an array of instruments including guitar, ngoni, calabash, tama, and cello.

The‌ essence ⁣of ⁢this album lies in Keita’s matured voice; ‍now at 75 years old, he embraces a deeper and more resonant tone that beautifully contrasts with his signature ⁤falsetto. Tracks like “Aboubakrin” and Tassi showcase simple yet captivating ngoni loops over which his ‍raw vocals convey deep⁣ emotion.While the rhythmic complexity on “Soundiata” may be somewhat disorienting for some listeners, there are ⁣numerous instances of pure melodic beauty throughout the album. In “Kanté Manfila,” Keita transitions from gravelly whispers to passionate cries; meanwhile, “Proud” highlights his remarkable vocal agility as he navigates thru intricate string melodies ‍to reach an exhilarating peak—demonstrating that the Golden Voice remains vibrant and full of life.