Desert Blues Comes to Brighton

Desert blues, a genre characterised by its soulful and earthy sound, will be showcased in Brighton when Vieux Farka Touré performs at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Vieux Farka Touré, born in Niafunké, Mali, in 1981, is the son of the renowned guitarist Ali Farka Touré, and his music draws heavily from the Songhai tradition and the desert blues of his father. Despite his father's initial discouragement, Vieux Farka Touré began recording in 2005 and released his self-titled debut album in 2007, which featured Toumani Diabaté.

Vieux Farka Touré's music is a testament to his roots and his ability to blend traditional sounds with modern styles. His second studio album, Fondo, peaked at number five on Billboard's World Albums chart in July 2009, demonstrating his growing popularity. He has also collaborated with various musicians, including Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, and John Scofield, and was invited to perform at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening celebration. The release of Les Racines in 2022 marked a return to his father's desert blues roots, and the album has been described as outstanding by The Guardian.

The Brighton show will feature Vieux Farka Touré's traditional acoustic quartet, which will bring his own compositions and his father's classics to life. This will be the UK debut of his acoustic quartet, making it a unique opportunity for fans to experience his music in a new and intimate setting. With support from Giuliano Modarelli, this event is presented by Earth Cruises & Ear Trumpet. Tickets are with the button beside the article. The show will take place at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts in Brighton, and fans can look forward to an evening of soulful desert blues and traditional Malian music.

Vieux Farka Touré's latest releases, including Les Racines and the cover album Ali, demonstrate his continued growth as a musician and his dedication to preserving his father's legacy. Les Racines, in particular, has been praised for its mature and traditionalist sound, which showcases Vieux Farka Touré's ability to honour his roots while still innovating and pushing the boundaries of desert blues. With his traditional acoustic quartet, Vieux Farka Touré is set to deliver a captivating performance that will showcase his unique sound and style.

The combination of Vieux Farka Touré's talented musicianship, his traditional acoustic quartet, and the intimate setting of the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts makes this upcoming show a must-attend event for fans of desert blues and traditional Malian music. With his own compositions and his father's classics on the setlist, this performance promises to be a memorable evening of music and culture.