Wiki
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Release Date
1 January 1999
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Length
12 tracks
Niafunke, released in 1999, was Toure's first album in five years. He had expressed dissatisfaction with his recent records and had largely retired from performing; in the meantime, he had devoted his energies to irrigating and farming the land around his native Niafunke (which he would later become the mayor of).
Most of Niafunke was recorded in a large abandoned building on the outskirts of that town. During the day, Toure tended to his fields; in the evenings, he would come to the building to record.
The following are Toure's comments on the album:
"This record is more real, more authentic. It was recorded in the place where the music belongs - deep Mali. We were in the middle of the landscape which inspired the music and that in turn inspired myself and the musicians. My music is about where I come from and our way of life and it is full of important messages for Africans. In the West perhaps this music is just entertainment and I don't expect people to understand. But I hope some might take the time to listen and learn."
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