Daby Touré, who grew up in Mauritania and moved to Paris as a teenager, “is blessed with a glorious voice that he uses to full effect,” says AllMusic.com, adding that “he has the makings of a major star.” The BBC describes his music this way: “From the first time you hear it, prepare to hum along, tap your toes, and be mesmerized by Daby's infectious brand of global soul-tinged pop.” The Times is equally enthusiastic: “If the idea of an African Nick Drake or Cat Stevens appeals, then Daby Touré is your man.” With his masterful guitar work, catchy originals, and gravity-defying vocal style, Daby makes music that defies categorization, spanning a wealth of cultures and musical genres.

Daby founded the duo Touré-Touré with his cousin Omar, and released a well-received album Laddé in 2000 that led to touring across Europe and the United States. In 2003, he recorded his first solo album Diam, and opened for Peter Gabriel on his world tour. In 2006, the BBC’s World Music Awards nominated him for “Discovery of the Year,” and in 2007 his album Stereo Spirit won rave reviews. The Observer described his 2009 EP, Call My Name, recorded with old school bluesman Skip McDonald, as “warm, enveloping and magical, as if the Mississippi snaked through the Saharan night.” On his 2012 release, Lang(u)age, he collaborated with French pop icons Francis Cabrel and Maxime Le Forestier.

Tonight he comes to the Freight with a brand new album, Amonafi, which means “once upon a time” in the West African language Wolof, and reflects his desire to tell stories of Africa’s past, present, and future. "I want to present my vision of Africa’s history," he says, "its relationship to the world, what really happened, not peddle the same old platitudes and non-truths." The new album connects his African experience to his broader experience of the world. "Of course I carry Africa inside me, I sing in languages of West Africa: Fulani, Soninke, Wolof. But with this new album, I approach what I like most: soul, pop, music we can sing beyond borders."