It is with the deepest sympathies that we announce famed African guitarist Ali Farke Touré died this week — after just collecting another Grammy award for his collaboration with kora master Toumani Diabte. Toure also won a Grammy in 1994 for a collaboration with Ry Cooder, as you may know as the man who rediscovered the Buena Vista Social Club.
Many of us in Chicago Afrobeat Project are great admirers of Touré and are saddened by this loss. For more about the life of Ali Farke Touré, visit:
Four months after releasing their debut album, Chicago Afrobeat Project has just received their second batch of 1,000 CDs. You can order the album online, or pick it up at any one of CAbP’s upcoming shows. The album features many talented guest musicians such as kora master Morikeba Kouyate on “Jekajo,” guitarist Fareed Haque on “BMW,” and Diverse and Poetree Chicago as emcees on “Zambi.” Pick it up today.
In early- and mid-April, Chicago Afrobeat Project heads west to the Rockies for a 10-day run of debut performances throughout Colorado and other Western states. Beginning with a kick-off in Chicago on April 6 at the Park West with the mysterious guitarist Buckethead, the group heads to the following clubs and cities: