Folon (album)

Folon is an album by the Malian artist Salif Keita. It was released in 1995 by Mango Records.

Production

The album was produced primarily by Wally Badarou. "Mandjou" is a remake of one of Keita's 1970s hits. "Seydou" is a tribute to Chris Seydou.

Critical reception

Rolling Stone wrote that "once he has filled the crossover quota ... Keita offers solemn, languid, march-tempo meditations ('Mandjou', 'Mandela', 'Nyanyama') that are hauntingly beautiful and deceptively sophisticated." The Guardian determined that "though more dancey in drum and bass than ever the albino activist's disenchantment with European life is evident, warmly expressed in an increasingly pan-African view."

AllMusic praised the "gritty voice that transcends classification," writing that Keita "spins dance tracks that reveal a dedication to tradition and passion."

Track listing

All songs written by Salif Keita.

1. "Tekere" 6:33 (clap your hands)
2. "Mandjou" 10:37
3. "Africa" 5:59
4. "Nyanyama" 6:18
5. "Mandela" 4:30
6. "Sumun" 6:57
7. "Seydou" 5:48
8. "Dakan-Fe" 5:06
9. "Folon" 4:25

Personnel

• Salif Keita: Vocals
• Angeline Annonier, Nayanka Bell, Djanka Diabate, Djene Doumbouya, Mora Birbeck, Bessy Gordon: Vocal Backing
• Ousmane Kouyate: Guitars
• Wally Badarou: Keyboards, Vocal Backing
• Check Tidiane Seck: Keyboards
• Mohktar Samba: Drums
• Souleymane Doumbouya, Sydney Thiam: Percussion

References