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Harouna Barry, Ballake Sissoko, Ali Farka Toure, Boubacar Traore, Demba-Kane Niang ... see more see more... , Madieye Niang , Blaise Pascal , Mamadou Sangare , Malik Sidibe , Ali Farke Toure , Boubar Traore

In the early '60s, the West African nation of Mali was under French rule as its people struggled toward independence, and musician Boubacar Traoré became a star in his home country as its people dream... read more read more...ed of political freedom and better lives. Boasting a strong, blues-influenced voice and a hypnotic guitar style, Traoré -- better known as "Kar Kar" -- played music that showed the influence of the newer pop and rock sounds from Europe and the United States, and spoke of love and freedom in equal measure. However, at the height of his fame in Mali, Kar Kar disappeared; while he was a popular radio performer, he was unable to secure a record deal, and he was unable to support himself and his wife on his radio performance fees. Traoré became a tailor, and in time left Mali for self-imposed exile in Paris after the emotionally devastating death of his wife. Years later, a music producer who had heard recordings of Kar Kar's fabled radio performances offered him a chance to make an album, which led the artist back to Mali and the musical career he had abandoned. Je Chanterai Pour Toi is a documentary on Boubacar Traore's long road from fame to obscurity and back again, which features performances by both Traoré and fellow African guitar hero Ali Farka Toure. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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28% liked it

347 ratings

Critics

59% liked it

17 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 16 min.

Directed by: Jacques Sarasin

Release Date: March 26, 2004

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DVD Release Date: February 22, 2005

Stats: 12 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (12)

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Critic Reviews

Frank Scheck
July 6, 2004
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

Features not one word of comment from its subject, but it does offer plenty of musical numbers and an impressionistic portrait of his life and times.

V.A. Musetto
June 4, 2004
V.A. Musetto, New York Post

Enjoyable if only to hear KarKar perform his mournful and personal songs, including a tender tribute to his late wife.

Dave Kehr
June 3, 2004
Dave Kehr, New York Times

Jacques Sarasin's documentary blends the history of post-colonial Mali with the life of one of its most popular musicians, the guitarist and singer Boubacar KarKar Traor. Full Review

Gene Seymour
June 3, 2004
Gene Seymour, Newsday

A musical biopic conceived as a lyric dreamscape, as a meditation on fate and faith. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
June 2, 2004
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

One of those sanctifying docs that rambles when it should explore. Full Review

Laura Sinagra
June 1, 2004
Laura Sinagra, Village Voice

The reverent pacing lags a bit, but the film's meditation on the struggle to find spirituality that reconciles Islam with tribal belief systems is powerful in its understatement. Full Review

Ty Burr
April 30, 2004
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

For fans of African music, Sing is a rich archeological dig; for newcomers with open ears, it might be a revelation. Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
March 26, 2004
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

It never really feels like we've gotten to know the man himself, leaving the figure at the heart of I'll Sing for You a cipher.

Fred Camper
March 16, 2004
Fred Camper, Chicago Reader

Kar Kar's singing is wonderfully expressive, and an improvised song to his wife at her grave site demonstrates the emotional wellspring of his music. Full Review

Maria Garcia
August 8, 2004
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International

A gentle portrait of a musician whose music provides a bridge from Africa to America. Full Review

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