Cherif Keita’s Life in African Studies

Today, we share with you episode 128 of Africa Past & Present podcast.[*] This episode features a conversation with Dr. Chérif Keïta, William H. Laird Professor of French and the Liberal Arts at Carleton College and a CIHA blog contributor.

The interview starts with Dr. Keïta reflecting on his personal and professional journey. Born in then French Sudan (current day Mali), he moved to Europe to continue his studies at the Higher Institute of Translators and Interpreters in Brussels and then on to Athens, Georgia in the US.

The conversation continues with a discussion of Dr. Keïta‘s renowned documentary series on “Missionaries, Freedom, and South Africa: Documenting Religious Roots of the African National Congress (ANC).” The series recounts the lives of two of the lesser-known figures of the South African liberation movement: John Dube, the ANC’s founding president, and his first wife, Nokutela Dube, who played a crucial role in the founding of ANC but has been largely marginalized in South African history.

Dr. Keïta concludes the discussion by talking about his book on the life of his cousin and childhood friend and the famous afro-pop musician, Salif Keïta: Outcast to Ambassador: The Musical Odyssey of Salif Keïta. The book reflects on Salif’s journey as an outcast (because of his albinism) to the status of the “Domingo of Malian music.” According to Dr. Keita, for Salif, music became a salvation and a means to become visible in a society where albinos were generally considered to be invisible. 

Take a listen here!

[*] “Africa Past and Present is a podcast about history, culture, and politics in Africa and the diaspora.” For more information, see http://afripod.aodl.org/