Salif Keita

A direct descendant of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, Salif is one of the pioneers of Afro-pop. As a member of a Malian Noble family, Keita was famously rebuked when he set out to become a musician as it was considered an occupation beneath his status. At 18, he was banished from his village because of a superstitious belief that albinos brought ill fortune. He went on to play for Les Ambassadeurs, a Malian music group before striking out on his own. Success has been phenomenal. His album, La Différence is dedicated to ending the stigmatization of albinos across Africa and the world.

Source: Forbes Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa