Another slice of Fudge. In this second outing he takes a look at Mali's rich musical heritage.

Music in Mali

I first found out about Mali's rich musical heritage after I became interested Kora music, and soon learned that there's far more to enjoy from this particular part of Africa.

Mali is an ancient place. When Sunjata Keita ruled Mali 700 years ago the empire covered much of modern West Africa, included many cultural groupings and controlled the main trans-Saharan trade routes.

Modern Mali is far poorer in terms of wealth but remains rich in cultural diversity. The descendants of the Manding kings of old, along with those of the Songhai and Bambara kingdoms that followed, stand along side Bambara, Bobo, Dogon, Tamascheck, Soninke, Songhoi, Tuareg and other peoples. Although each group has it's own musical traditions, Sunjata's inclusive vision nurtured over 700 years lives on in a spirit of mutual respect only colonization has sullied.

This rich cultural mix is best known for the Griot tradition. A traditional bardic role patroned by the ruling families.

This rich cultural mix is best known for the Griot tradition. A traditional bardic role patroned by the ruling families.

In modern Mali official patronage of the arts has continued to keep the creative diversity alive. Mali's first president, Modibo Keita, created a system of regional sponsorship for musicians, leading to fusion of traditional Griot music with other indigenous forms, Afro-Cuban dance music and Big Band Jazz. Although Mali's political situation was volatile in the latter half of last century, it's musical development has survived, continued and flourished.

The country's musical roots are as diverse as it's ethnic mix. From the Wassoulou sound of the south, to Bambara, Bobo and Senufo pop from the east, to northern styles epitomised in the music of Ali Farka Toure.

It's impossible to do justice to Mali's culture & music in one article, all I can do is discuss a few highlights and hope you'll want to learn more.

The stars of Mande music today bear the names of the Griot families and even Royalty. A few of the better known musicians include:

Ali Farka Toure

In the few years before his death in 1996 Ali Farka Toure earned world renown as an African Blues guitarist. Toure was introduced to the UK by means of a memorable session recorded in Andy Kershaw's kitchen! Collaborations with Ry Cooder and with kora master Toumani Diabate have earned him two Grammy awards. His posthumous final album 'Savane' also received a Grammy nomination.

Toumani Diabate

Toumani Diabate comes from an unbroken line of kora masters covering more than 70 generations, his father Sidiki Diabate recorded the first ever kora album in 1970. Toumani Diabate is as accomplished in cross-cultural collaborations as he is as a solo kora player. His diverse projects have included two albums with flamenco group Ketama (Songhai I and Songhai II) which also featured bassist Danny Thomson. He's worked with American Blues legend Taj Mahal (Kulanjan), and more recently made an appearance on Bjork's 2007 album Volta. The Symmetric Orchestra on his 2006 release, Boulevard de l'Independance (my favourite album of last year) brought together some of the finest musicians from all over the Mande empire.

Salif Keita

known as the Golden Voice of Mali, is a direct descendant of the founder of the Mande empire, Sunjata Keita. Ostracised by his family because of his striking albino appearance and his desire to follow a career in music, Keita joined the Super Rail Band de Bamako in 1967. In the mid 70's he fled the political unrest in Mali and moved to the Ivory Coast, then to Paris in the 80's. His music combines traditional West African music styles with influences from both Europe and the Americas.

Tinariwen

Formed in a Tuareg rebel camp in 1982, Tinariwen have recently enjoyed a surge in popularity in the West. Their songs tell of desert life and longing for independence from Mali.

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Reviews

Various Artists - Mali Lolo! Stars of Mali

This Smithsonian Folkways release showcases musicians at the forefront of Mali's music scene. Artists featured include The Super Rail Band, Kasse Mady Diabate, Ali Farke Toure, Tinariwen and Habib Koite, among many others. The extensive sleeve notes include a potted history of Mali and its music and detailed biographies of the artists.

Salif Keita - M'bemba

A passionate and uplifting album, M'bemba features guitarists Kanté Manfila and Ousmane Kouyaté, both long-time associates of Keita. Toumani Diabate makes an appearance on the beautiful title track (the first piece of music young FraserFudged recognised whenever it played), along with the harmonious vocals of his foster-sisters.

This album doesn't square up to any boundaries, rather it provides an accessible introduction to Mandean music, to Salif's haunting voice and undoubted musical talent.

Toumani Diabate's Symmetric Orchestra - Boulevard de L'Independence

This album presents a very different approach to music than that offered on Toumani's more ambient solo albums. Boulevard de L'Independence is an energetic and compelling mix of tradition and innovation. The guest list (over 50 musicians involved) reads like a who's who of Mali's burgeoning music scene. Nick Gold's production along with brass arrangements by Pee Wee Ellis combine with Toumani's skill and personality to show he's the most ambitious and visionary kora player of his generation.

Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate - In The Heart of the Moon

A Grammy award winning collection of duets, hailed by Mojo magazine as 'The most beautiful music on earth'. This collaboration offers a contrast to Toumani's energetic Boulevard de L'Independence and Ali Farka Toure's bluesy Savane. This is a beautiful, relaxed recording of two master craftsmen communicating through their instruments and centuries of tradition. Find a quiet place, don a pair of headphones and lose yourself in this masterpiece. Truly sublime.