Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981 to Ali Farka Touré.

Despite his father's discouragement and his family's lineage as a tribe of soldiers, Touré secretly took up the guitar and enrolled in the Institut National des Arts in Bamako, Mali.

In 2005, Eric Herman of Modiba expressed interest in producing an album for Touré; which led to his self-titled debut album released in February 2007 and featuring Toumani Diabaté, as well as his late father.

Following the release of a remix album, UFOs Over Bamako in 2008,and multiple tours, Vieux released his second studio album in May 2009, Fond, which peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's World Albums Chart and was included in the Village Voice's Top 100 list for 2009.

In June 2010, Vieux was invited to perform at the Opening Celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside  Shakira, Alicia Keys and K’naan.

That month, Vieux also released his first live album, LIVE.

Vieux released his third studio album, The Secret, on May 24, 2011.

The album was produced by Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno and features Dave Matthews>, Derek Trucks, and John Scofield.

It also features the last collaboration between Touré and late father The album reached the no. 1 spot on CMJ's New World Chart.

Supporting Vieux Farka Toure will be the new Sony signing Bongeziwe Mabandla

Mabalnda’s debut album, UMLILO, introduces the world to a fresh, distinctive artist, whose powerful, timeless Afro-folk has emerged fully formed as one of the most vibrant new sounds in South African music.

Produced by Paulo Chibanga of 340ml, the album showcases the 27-year-old’s plaintive, hypnotic vocals, gentle acoustic-guitar & delicate, minimal, but mesmerising production.

Mabalnda calls his music “African traditional, urban folk”, and indeed it is a compelling fusion of Xhosa folk rhythms and vocal techniques with contemporary, city suss. It’s rootsy, with elements of dub, mbaqanga, soul and hip-hop.

Being born in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, Mabalnda’s music is coloured by the Xhosa traditional sounds of the Transkei, with the African gourd bow instrument the uhadi, featuring on three songs. But his main influences are contemporary folk and urban – Lauryn Hill, Asa, Tracy Chapman, Jabu Khanyile and Busi Mhlongo among others.

The songs are love songs, topical songs and songs of inspiration and affirmation. All with Mabandla’s hypnotic, melancholy vocals taking centre stage.

‘The Hendrix of the Sahara’

Date: January 18 2013
Venue: Bassline, Newtown Johannesburg
Vieux Farka Toure live supported by Bongeziwe Mabandla
Time: 8pm.
Tickets: R70 from Web Tickets