Bridging Mali's Musical Past and Present
How revered musical traditions are being passed onto the next generation of Malians
Across Africa, and through much of the world, music is sacred. After a long day's work of hunting, farming, herding, and assuring the basic necessities of life are met, youth – both male and female – gather in the center of the village and honor their ancestors for their sacrifices.
The Maker and Teacher
A sublime percussionist, Labouzou is ranked among the five master drummers of West Africa. Born Daouda Dembélé, he first got his start playing alongside Papa Gaoussou Diarra and Aboubacar Kissa from the illustrious and internationally-acclaimed orchestra: Super Biton de Ségou.
Labouzou rehearses "So Happy in You" (2016-08-01) by Moussa Koussa DiarraTimbuktu Renaissance
Before the 2012 crisis, Labouzou for many years owned a djembé manufacturing and training center in the heart of Ségou. He has trained and equipped countless African and Western professional musicians.
Labouzou "Mieruba Workshop"Timbuktu Renaissance
But he also made sure to make time to pass on his skills and knowledge to kids whether to tourists for a few minutes...
Labouzou & Les petits bandits " Stages"Timbuktu Renaissance
... or the next generation of Malian kids.
So Happy In You (2018) by LabouzouTimbuktu Renaissance
“Môbaso” is his first and only recorded album but for decades his name in Ségou and Bamako’s nightlife scene has been synonymous with high energy, fun music perfect for those eager to let loose on the dance floor.
Labouzou in studio (2016) by Moussa Koussa DiarraTimbuktu Renaissance
His style is clearly based on the pentatonic rhythms of his native Ségou and the songs on this album are a fusion of Ségou blues, Nigerian highlife, and afrobeat.
The Cowboy from Médina Coura
Trico Boy is one of the godfathers of modern Malian music. He made his debut in 1968 with the “Pioneer Jazz” orchestra, the top band in the Médina Coura neighborhood of Bamako. He moved to Ivory Coast in the early 1970s where he co-founded “Les Asselars” with Cheick Tidiane Seck and Mahamane Tandina.
Trico Boy & Bunia - ThiorombayTimbuktu Renaissance
Trico manages to easily reinterpret and transform traditional Mandingue diatonic tunes with his modern acoustic guitar. After a 50+ year musical career, he recorded his début album entitled “Rue 14”in 2016.
Trico Boy (2016-12-18) by Mieruba-MLTimbuktu Renaissance
While the album relies heavily on the repertoire of his ancestors, he manages to deliver a modern and fresh sound that transports us back to his youthful days living and playing in beloved working-class neighborhood.
Bridge between Past and Future
Tiowa Dembele is one of the main custodians of the Bobo musical tradition. The Bobo are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Mali with a majority of members based in Burkina Faso. However, their impact on Ségouvien pentatonic music is profound and their mastery of percussions and the balafon is renowned throughout the Mandé.
Tiowa at Mieruba Gallery and Guesthouse (2016-07) by Mieruba-MLTimbuktu Renaissance
Tiowa was born in Mandjakui, the ancient capital of the Bobo Kingdom. A lifetime spent playing during marriage and baptism ceremonies, recorded his first album entitled “Tendoro” in 1994.
Tiowa was the first musician to modernize the rich repertoire of Bobo traditional music. His latest album “Bwa” or the name for language of the Bobo is a tribute to his community.
HiniziTimbuktu Renaissance
Along with the late Dounanke Koita, his body of work serves as an essential link between older and newer generations of artists such as Ben Zabo, Delphine Mounkoro, Virginie Dembélé, and HiNiZi.
Voice of the Kômô
Adama Namakoro Fomba made his start with the Dioïla-based “Banikô Jazz” orchestra in the early 1970s. An experienced guitarist and vocalist inspired by the Kômô repertoire.
Namakoro in studio (2016-08) by Moussa Koussa DiarraTimbuktu Renaissance
A native of Dioïla, he participated in countless Biennale’s held in Koulikoro but left for the Ivory Coast via Burkina Faso in 1976 as freedom of expression in Mali deteriorated.
Adama Namakoro "Giving Lessons"Timbuktu Renaissance
A teacher at heart, he played key roles in the début solo albums of Sory Bamba as well acclaimed Malian reggae artist, Kôkô Dembélé.
Namakoro Fomba gets ready to sing (2016-08) by Moussa Koussa DiarraTimbuktu Renaissance
The recordings on “Banikô” after nearly 20 years of retirement came as a pleasant surprise for his fans.
Adama Namakoro Fomba Rehearses Kanou (2016) by Mieruba-MLTimbuktu Renaissance
With a crystal-clear and marvelous voice, he still delights rural audiences in particular with his words and rhythms.
Mangala Camara
Askia Modibo
Zoumana Tereta
Labouzou
Trico Boy
Tiowa Dembélé
Namakoro Fomba
Mieruba-ML
Moussa Koussa Diarra
Delphine Gatinois
Adama Kouyaté
