Salif Keita, the renowned Malian singer-songwriter known as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” is set to speak at the 9th Cambridge Africa Conference to be held at the prestigious Cambridge University from May 12th-14th, 2023. The conference, themed “Forging Our Path,” will celebrate the remarkable milestones achieved by the African continent.
The annual event, organised by the African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU), has consistently focused on human capacity development for the student community. Keita’s appearance at the conference is expected to be a highlight of the event, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from the legendary artist’s experiences and insights.
Born a traditional prince in the village of Djoliba, Keita was cast out by his family and ostracised  by the community because of his albinism, which was considered a sign of bad luck in Mandinka culture. He decided to pursue music in his teenage years, which further distanced him from his family as it was against the occupational prohibitions of his noble status.
In 1967, Keita left Djoliba for Bamako, where he joined the government-sponsored Super Rail Band de Bamako. He later joined the group Les Ambassadeurs (du Motel de Bamako) in 1973, and they fled political unrest in Mali during the mid-1970s, subsequently changing the group’s name to Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux. The reputation of this band grew internationally in the late-1970s, leading to Keita pursuing a successful solo career in the following years.
“We are thrilled to have Salif Keita speak at our conference,” said the conference chair, Mr AlaSan Ceesay. “His personal journey and professional success make him an inspiration to many, and we believe that his presence will help to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders.”
The 9th Cambridge Africa Conference promises to be a valuable and engaging experience for attendees, featuring a range of distinguished speakers, panel discussions, and workshops. The event will provide a platform for discussion and collaboration among students, scholars, and industry leaders from across the African continent and beyond.
For more information about the conference, including registration details and the full program, please visit the conference website : https://cambridgeatc.com/
