Ahead of his June 20 performance at the African Creators Festival in Denver, acclaimed Malian guitarist and singer Vieux Farka Touré joined Deana Bianco for KGNU’s Afternoon Alternative to discuss touring, performing in the United States, and his recent collaboration with Khruangbin. Touré reflected on the long journey from Bamako to Colorado, shared why U.S. audiences hold a special place in his heart, and spoke about reimagining his father Ali Farka Touré’s music for a new generation through the collaborative album with Khruangbin. He also offered insight into his pre-show routine and the joy he still finds in performing live after decades on stage. (Air Date 6/22/26).
Listen to the interview here:
Transcript:
Deana Bianco: Hello, welcome back. My name is Deana, and this is The Afternoon Alternative. We’re on the phone with Vieux Farka Touré. Are you there?
Vieux Farka Touré: Yes.
Deana Bianco: Hi. How are you?
Vieux Farka Touré: I’m good. How are you?
Deana Bianco: I’m good. Thanks for calling in to KGNU.
Tomorrow night you’re playing the Cookie Factory.
Vieux Farka Touré: Yes.
Deana Bianco: How does it feel playing in Colorado? You mentioned before we started that you just flew in. Is it just for this show?
Vieux Farka Touré: First, thank you to you and everyone for having me here. It was a difficult trip—flying from Bamako to Ivory Coast, then New York, then Denver. It’s been a very long flight, but it’s always a pleasure for me to play in Denver and Colorado.
Deana Bianco: How often do you come to the United States to play?
Vieux Farka Touré: This tour is just a couple of shows, and I think we’ll be back again in September for about a month. We’re in the U.S. regularly, every month or two. Playing here is very special. The audiences are wonderful. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a lot of fun to play here.
Deana Bianco: We just heard “Alakarra,” which you recorded with Khruangbin. Can you tell me more about that collaboration and how it came about?
Vieux Farka Touré: I’d had that project in mind for a long time. I told my manager I wanted to do something special with a major rock-and-roll artist in the United States. I wanted to take some songs from my father, Ali Farka Touré, and reinterpret them in a different way. It was also important to introduce his music to a new generation that may not know him.
My manager brought me several artists to consider, and we listened to all of them. Khruangbin had a certain touch that reminded me a little of Ali Farka’s style. I thought they would be perfect for the project.
The first time I met them was in London while they were on tour. We talked, got to know each other, and they seemed like really good people. It felt right to work together.
Deana Bianco: The song is amazing. Since you traveled so far to play tomorrow night at the Cookie Factory during the African Creators Festival, how do you take care of yourself before a big show?
Vieux Farka Touré: When you’re an artist, your main concern is making the concert as good as possible. For me, it’s simple: I take a nap, get some rest, have a coffee, and spend time with people. I don’t drink or smoke, so I focus on resting and being ready to give the best performance I can. I try not to be nervous.
Deana Bianco: Do you ever get stage fright at this point in your career?
Vieux Farka Touré: No, not really. I’m always happy to go on stage. It’s part of my life. When they tell me it’s time to perform, I love that moment.
Once I’m on stage, I’m completely immersed in the music. I don’t think about anything else. Sometimes there are a few nerves at the beginning, mostly because you’re wondering whether there will be any technical issues with the guitar, vocals, or sound. But if the first song goes well and everything is working, then you’re good.
Deana Bianco: That sounds like a special place to be, whether it’s in music or any part of life. It sounds magical.
Thank you so much for calling in. I know we only had about ten minutes with you. Vieux Farka Touré will be performing at the African Creators Festival tomorrow at the Cookie Factory in Denver. It looks like you’re going on at 8:00 p.m.?
Vieux Farka Touré: Yes, I think it’s 8:00 p.m.
Deana Bianco: Great. And for our listeners, if you go out there and talk to him, tell him KGNU sent you.
Vieux Farka Touré: Excellent.
Deana Bianco: Thank you so much for calling in.
Vieux Farka Touré: Thank you. Have a good one.
