Tell us what you think:

Umar, NY
Was fortunate to witness his last concert at the Barbican in london, it was a great joy to see the master at work. We will surely miss him RIP

Kwame, Nottingham
Ali Farka is the human embobement of blues. Farka is compared to none. I am an african and I can say only a few musicians have made africa pround and Ali is without a doubt one of them. who ever said blues came from the states should go listen to Ali Farka. Like the great man said "the blues is nothin but indeginous african music" and he definately embodied that saying. Rest in Peace to the Great Ali Farka your music will live on even after generations to come.

divyesh, Lincoln
When I die and they lay me to rest I want his music to lift me to the sky....

Pavy, Tokyo
Brilliant desert blues.

steve...texas
i witnessed Ali opening for King Sunny Ade in Austin once upon a time, and there i beheld the manifestation of the spirit which enabled him to embrace the multiple spheres he dwelt within.

eamon maguire Ireland
savane just arrived a birthday present i am very much involved in irish music but ali has a touch of real class.

Andrew Jowett, Shrewsbury
Brilliant! The soul of West Africa brought to our homes. Distinctive and timeless, I hope his lifetime achievements are recognised this year.

Maria, Buenos Aires
I agree with Robin. With all due respect to all musicians, just a few artists can parallel Toure's creations, character and influence. For this reason and also because of (lack) of internet connections of the audience, the competetion here wouldn't be fair. This is why I second Regan's suggestion here to give a lifetime achievement award to this extraodinary man.

Yoshina, Mauritius
Simply amazing. The music speaks to one's soul. A great loss to music.

Robin, Austin, Texas
Is this a joke or is the BBC losing its legendary professionalism? Who can compete with Ali Farka Toure? Only superhumans like Johnny Cash, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and the likes can be compared with this giant of a musician and a jewel of a man.

Won Lee, Hong Kong
My 12-16 year old pupils who became familiar with him through music lessons were devastated by his death; so was I, a longtime fan. Although the number of records he released (about 10 CD's) is limited for his long career, his work and its impact are collossal and will resonate for ages. We've lost a genius!

John, Dublin
We were lucky to see and hear Ali Farka Toure play in the Hackney Empire around 1991/2..he was a bit grumpy initially as there must have been some problem with the sound but that was quickly forgotten when he got into his style and blew us away into the night..wonderful musician who leaves us with a wealth of beautiful music and memories

Sun, South Korea
Very good. I like it!

Regan, London
I think a SPECIAL lifetime-achievement type Award should be given to this amazing man! What loss to world music.

Hooman,Australa
Simple and beautiful

Vladimir, Daugavpils, Latvia
Marvellous musician with a strong and sincere message. "Where there is injustice in the wold, music must point out"! If a fraction of the celebrities were as talented and socially conscious as Ali was, we'd have better music and a better world.

Lize, New York
No words can describe how much respect and appreciation people of all colors and generations have for Ali Farka's mesmerising work and personality. I am not sure he'd care, but he certainly deserves the award. R.I.P.

Horri, Netherlands
Ali Farka Toure's passing is a major loss: Loss of a unique man and artist brimming with virtuosity, wisdom, humility and humanity. Not surprised that the lords were craving for exclusive concerts by him. RIP!