Salif Keita in Lagos this week

Malian music superstar Salif Keita will headline the first VIP Club Nite of Francophone World Music, which holds at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos this week.

Known as ‘the golden voice of Africa’, Salif Keita is one of the most successful exponents of African music on the international scene. In addition to his infectious Afro-pop sound, Keita is also an activist on behalf of his fellow albinos, who are targets of ritual killings in many African countries.

Jimi Sadare of Effrakata Entertainment, promoters of the show, which commences at 8pm on Friday, May 6, said the event is part of activities for the re-branding of the company’s former ‘Francophonynite’ into a VIP night of Francophone world music. “The event will be a night of blending the Francophone with Anglophone; it will be fun. I have been friends with Salif for close to 10 years, his music has a therapeutic effect on me. That is why am bringing him for Nigerians to enjoy what I have been enjoying,” he said.

When asked about his company’s focus on Francophone artists, the soft-spoken Sadare said, “It will be my joy to bring recognition to Nigerian acts also. I discovered Francophone musicians when I was exploring countries like Mali, Togo. There was so much peace and fun there, and the music is so soothing, that is what am trying to transport to Nigeria.” He told reporters that he was the first person to promote a Nigerian artist in Francophone countries. “Flavour performed in Lome through my company, and am willing to sell more Nigerian acts.”

According to the travel and entertainment boss, the VIP Club Nite is targeted at mature minds, members of the diplomatic corps, expatriates, celebrities and others. The Salif Keita show will be the first of quarterly VIP Club Nites, while the Francophone World Music night will hold monthly, attracting both foreign and indigenous artists to perform for select audiences.

Also on the bill for the Oriental Hotel show are music acts like the Afrobeat/jazz band, Ayetoro, as well as deejays from Togo and the Republic of Benin.