Vieux Farka Touré’s father, the late, great Malian musician Ali Farka Touré forbade his son from becoming a musician; he didn’t want Vieux to have to deal with the same problems he'd endured through his career. Instead, Ali encouraged him to become a soldier. In the end, music won out as Vieux was always drawn to it.

After listening to a track or two, you'll realize he made the right decision.

Vieux grew up in Niafunké (located in the Sahara desert) and the Malian capital Bamako, where learned to play percussion, calabash (a dried gourd drum) and drums, in spite of his father's opposition. Beginning in 1999, Vieux studied guitar at the National Arts Institute in Bamako. During this time, he become a local celebrity who wrote his own music and performed energetic, stylistic live shows — proof that he is his father’s son.

Soon after, he became part of the back-up group for Toumani Diabaté, who urged Ali to finally give his son his blessing and encourage his musical talent. During this time, Vieux further developed his stage presence and gained valuable international experience.

This article appears in Aug 26 – Sep 1, 2009.