Folon is an album by the Malian artist Salif Keita.[1][2] It was released in 1995 by Mango Records.[3]

Folon
Studio album by
Released1995
Recorded1995
GenreWorld music, dance
Length56:19
LanguageMalinké
LabelMango
ProducerWally Badarou, Jean-Philippe Rykiel
Salif Keita chronology
Destiny of a Noble Outcast
(1991)
Folon
(1995)
Rail Band
(1996)

Production edit

The album was produced primarily by Wally Badarou.[4] "Mandjou" is a remake of one of Keita's 1970s hits.[5] "Seydou" is a tribute to Chris Seydou.[6]

Critical reception edit

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [7]
Robert Christgau  [8]

Rolling Stone wrote that "once he has filled the crossover quota ... Keita offers solemn, languid, march-tempo meditations ('Mandjou', 'Mandela', 'Nyanyama') that are hauntingly beautiful and deceptively sophisticated."[9] The Guardian determined that "though more dancey in drum and bass than ever the albino activist's disenchantment with European life is evident, warmly expressed in an increasingly pan-African view."[4]

AllMusic praised the "gritty voice that transcends classification," writing that Keita "spins dance tracks that reveal a dedication to tradition and passion."[7]

Track listing edit

All songs written by Salif Keita.

  1. "Tekere" 6:33 (clap your hands)
  2. "Mandjou" 10:37
  3. "Africa" 5:59
  4. "Nyanyama" 6:18
  5. "Mandela" 4:30
  6. "Sumun" 6:57
  7. "Seydou" 5:48
  8. "Dakan-Fe" 5:06
  9. "Folon" 4:25

Personnel edit

  • Salif Keita: Vocals
  • Angeline Annonier, Nayanka Bell, Djanka Diabate, Djene Doumbouya, Mora Birbeck, Bessy Gordon: Vocal Backing
  • Ousmane Kouyate: Guitars
  • Wally Badarou: Keyboards, Vocal Backing
  • Check Tidiane Seck: Keyboards
  • Mohktar Samba: Drums
  • Souleymane Doumbouya, Sydney Thiam: Percussion

References edit

  1. ^ "NEW RELEASES: POP". The Washington Post. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  2. ^ George, Nelson (Apr 1996). "World — Folon by Salif Keita". Playboy. 43 (4): 17.
  3. ^ Lazarus, Neil (May 20, 1999). "Nationalism and Cultural Practice in the Postcolonial World". Cambridge University Press – via Google Books.
  4. ^ a b Ganvill, Rick (27 Oct 1995). "Roots". The Guardian. p. T18.
  5. ^ Gettelman, Parry (22 Dec 1995). "SALIF KEITA". Calendar. Orlando Sentinel. p. 6.
  6. ^ Marsh, Steven P. (29 Mar 1996). "QUICK SPINS". LIFESTYLE/PREVIEWS. The Record. North Jersey. p. 6.
  7. ^ a b "Folon - Salif Keita | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  8. ^ "Robert Christgau: CG: Salif Keita". www.robertchristgau.com.
  9. ^ Moon, Tom (Feb 8, 1996). "Recordings — Folon ... The Past by Salif Keita". Rolling Stone (727): 51.