Saturday, July 15, 2017

John Malveaux: Salif Keita was the world’s best known person with albinism

Salif Keita

John Malveaux of 
writes:


Part 14-LBCAA 30 year history

Part 12 began with the incorrect statement “MusicUNTOLD Juneteenth Worldwide Concert at the Terrace Theater (Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center), June 19, 2011 was the first event produced by an African American founded non-profit organization in the City’s history.”  The 2011 Juneteenth recital featuring Denyce Graves was the first classical music event produced by an African American founded non-profit organization in the City’s history. The first event produced by an African American founded non-profit at the Terrace Theater was Juneteenth Worldwide/Albinism Awareness concert featuring Salif Keita produced by MusicUNTOLD, June 15, 2010. Additionally, Salif Keita was the first African music performance in the history of the Terrace Theater.
Known as “The Golden Voice of Africa”. Salif Keita had been the goldsmith of modern Malian music for over 40 years. Keita made his first U.S. breakthrough with “Tomorrow” and “Papa” songs prominently featured on the original sound track for the 2001 motion picture “Ali” starring Will Smith. The internationally renowned singer-songwriter Salif Keita performed at the Terrace Theater to celebrate Juneteenth, the annual American holiday commemorating the end of slavery, and the promotion of human rights worldwide.
Known as “The Golden Voice of Africa,” Salif Keita had been the goldsmith of modern Malian music for over 40 years. Keita made his first major U.S. breakthrough with “Tomorrow” and “Papa,” songs prominently featured on the original sound track for the 2001 motion picture, “Ali”, starring Will Smith. His album, “La Différence,” was awarded the Best World Music 2010 Award at the Victoires de la musique, the French equivalent of the Grammy Awards. 
Keita was the world’s best known person with albinism. Rick Guidotti of Positive Images in New York transported an albinism photographic exhibit for display in the Terrace lobby. Rick Guidotti also briefly spoke during the concert. Several local residents with albinism covered in a Press Telegram story were introduced on stage.. Please see albinism links https://positiveexposure.org/frame/albinism/,
Also see Salif Keita perform live in Germany. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=himVTCbJ3uo
The 25-member MusicUntold Chorale opened for Keita with “I Dream a World” by Langston Hughes, musical arrangement by Dr. Rosephanye Powell; and “A Letter from Lincoln,” with music composed by Ulysses Kay to accompany the text of Abraham Lincoln’s correspondence to a Confederate widow. See/hear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK_7syfaqOI




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