Ali Farka Touré, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, legend of desert music Ali Farka Touré is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the musician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 24/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Touré for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 86-year-old musician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Touré so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the musician have already been named ‘Malian Of The Year’ by some major Malian newspapers and even ‘Kanau Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Kanau (Ali Farka Touré's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the musician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Ali Farka Touré Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 23 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Ali Farka has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 23 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ali Farka Touré?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 23 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ali Farka Touré?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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