The chamber music concert series in Sydney Opera House’s intimate Utzon Room – the only space in the complex with an interior designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon – has hosted countless varied artists over the years.

But this was the first one I have attended where the stage was set up with amps, an electric guitar and bass and a set of drums. But the reason was simple – Vieux Farka Toure was opening the 2023 Utzon Series. And he is, after all, justifiably known as “the Hendrix of the Sahara”.

Modibo Mintou Mariko and Vieux Farka Touré in the Sydney Opera House Utzon Room. Photo © Cassandra Hamilton.

Since world music legend Ali Farka Toure’s death in 2006 the Malian singer and guitarist has been working hard to emerge from his father’s shadow and establish his own reputation. Comparisons between the two have been inevitable, despite Vieux’s vital and impressive discography pushing new boundaries, often incorporating rock music elements and appealing to younger audiences.

This child of a famous father syndrome is well known – Julian and Sean Lennon, Jeff Buckley and Jakob Dylan all encountered recognition problems along...