#1 · 1994
Landmark collaboration with Ry Cooder blending Malian melodies with American blues; won a Grammy Award.
10 tracksMultiple pressingsOriginal UK release on World Circuit
Artist page · 06/07/2026
Ali Farka Touré
Ali Farka Touré, born 1939 in Kanau near Tombouctou, Mali, merged traditional African music with blues across several decades until his death in 2006.
8Albums on Vinyles.com
204Discogs releases
285kLast.fm listeners
About
Ali Farka Touré, Malian desert blues blending traditional sounds with modern rhythms.
9 albums in catalogue with multiple original vinyl pressings; Talking Timbuktu celebrated with Grammy awards.
Ali Farka Touré emerged from Mali, deeply rooted in the musical traditions of the Djerma and Songhaï cultures. Beginning to play traditional string instruments early, he combined indigenous sounds with blues influences, crafting a style often called desert blues. Beyond performing, he worked as a radio engineer and championed rural development in his home region of Niafunké. His collaborations with international artists and his solo career yielded a durable legacy within world music.
On vinyl, various reissues and original pressings of his albums like Talking Timbuktu, Savane, and In the Heart of the Moon circulate among collectors, with prices reflecting demand for both original and newer pressings.
Discography
Ali Farka Touré discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
World Circuit · 2023Voyageur
Studio
World Circuit · 2010Ali And Toumani
Studio
World Circuit · 2006Savane
Studio
World Circuit · 2005In The Heart Of The Moon
Studio
World Circuit · 1999Niafunké
Studio
World Circuit · 1994Talking Timbuktu
Studio
World Circuit · 1992The Source
Studio
World Circuit · 1990The River
Studio
World Circuit · 1987Ali Farka Touré
Studio
Disques Espérance · 1984Ali Farka Toure
StudioPlaylist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Ali Farka Touré's career.
01
Ruby
Ali And Toumani · 2010
02
Savane
Savane · 2006
03
Ai Du (With Ry Cooder)
·
04
Machengoidi
Savane · 2006
05
Allah Uya
·
06
Ai Du
Talking Timbuktu · 1994
07
Sabu Yerkoy
Ali And Toumani · 2010
08
Mali Dje
·
The essentials
The 3 Ali Farka Touré albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
#2 · 2006
Posthumous album featuring refined desert blues with intricate guitar work, regarded as an epitome of his style.
13 tracksOriginal UK & Europe pressing 2019German reissue 2026
#3 · 2005
Acoustic duo album with Toumani Diabaté; won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album.
12 tracksUK reissue 2012European reissue 2021
Go further
Artists similar to Ali Farka Touré
Artists who share part of Ali Farka Touré's musical DNA.
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Ali Farka Touré
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
I am the donkey that no one can ride, a name given in tradition to symbolize strength and tenacity.— Ali Farka Touré
01Award
Talking Timbuktu wins Grammy Award
Released in 1994, this collaboration with American guitarist Ry Cooder won a Grammy, marking Touré's international breakthrough and bringing desert blues to wider audiences.
02Recording
Savane recorded as a posthumous release
Completed shortly before his death in 2006, Savane was released posthumously and highlights intricate guitar work blending traditional Malian and blues styles.
03Vinyl pressing
World Circuit's original pressings
The World Circuit label released many of Touré's albums on vinyl including Talking Timbuktu and Savane with reissues spanning from the 1990s to 2020s, offering multiple collectible editions.
04Collaboration
In the Heart of the Moon duo with Toumani Diabaté
Their 2005 acoustic album won a Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album and features traditional instruments, blending blues and Malian music seamlessly.
Records by Ali Farka Touré
See all
FAQ
FAQ: Ali Farka Touré on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Ali Farka Touré?
Ali Farka Touré was a Malian musician and singer known for blending traditional African music with blues throughout his career from the 1960s to 2006.
What styles of music did Ali Farka Touré play?
He combined desert blues, folk, and traditional Malian sounds with American blues and jazz elements.
What are the key vinyl albums to collect by Ali Farka Touré?
Essential vinyl albums include Talking Timbuktu, Savane, and In the Heart of the Moon, noted for their musical quality and collectible original pressings.
Where can I find original pressings of Ali Farka Touré albums?
Original vinyl pressings from the 1990s to recent reissues are available in Europe and the UK, especially through labels like World Circuit.
What are the price ranges for Ali Farka Touré vinyl?
Prices vary widely; for example, original pressings of Talking Timbuktu and Savane range from around 20€ to over 60€ depending on pressing and condition.
Are there collaborations with other artists on Ali Farka Touré records?
Yes, collaborations include work with Ry Cooder and Toumani Diabaté, which are central to albums like Talking Timbuktu and In the Heart of the Moon.
When did Ali Farka Touré start his music career?
He began his music career in the 1960s with traditional ensembles and released his first album under his own name in 1976.
Is there a connection between Ali Farka Touré and Niafunké, Mali?
Niafunké was both his home and political constituency; he invested in local agriculture and served as mayor there.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 06/07/2026