Samba Touré: Ali Farka Touré songbook

Samba Touré returns to Grounds with a special tribute to his mentor, Ali Farka Touré, marking twenty years since the Malian desert blues legend’s death. After his previous show at the Rotterdam venue in 2025, Touré comes back with a concert that looks directly at the music and influence of one of West Africa’s most important artists.

Touré began his career as lead singer of Farafina Lolo, where his talent caught the attention of Ali Farka Touré. Under his guidance, he moved from more traditional music towards a sound that helped establish him as a leading voice in West African blues.

For this tribute, Samba Touré is joined by Djimé Sissoko on ngoni and tamani, and Souleymane Kane on calabash. Together, they revisit Ali Farka Touré’s legacy without turning it into a museum piece. Expect classics, lesser-known gems and a warm, deeply rooted sound that gives the king of desert blues fresh life on stage.

Details
Event: Samba Touré: Ali Farka Touré songbook
Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Doors open: 20:00
Start: 21:00
Location: Grounds, Pieter de Hoochweg 125, Rotterdam
Tickets: Early bird €17.50, regular €20, at the door €22.50
Current listing price: Early bird €18.50, regular €21
Music: Malian blues, desert blues and West African music