Musical Diplomacy
Mali's musical heritage plays an active role in resisting the oppression of culture during times of extremist occupation
“West Africa is the cradle of music, which became the blues, which became rock ‘n’roll. It’s the big bang of all the music we love. And now, in that same place, it is against the law to make music.” - Bono (2012)
Festival in Exile - Narrated by Morgan FreemanTimbuktu Renaissance
Learn about Mali and its Music with Morgan Freeman
A walk and talk through the sounds of Timbuktu
Festival in Exile - Narrated by Morgan FreemanTimbuktu Renaissance
The Festival in Exile
In April 2013, the Skoll World Forum stood in solidarity with Mali’s leading musicians as they launched an awareness campaign dubbed Festival in Exile. Barred from performing at home and especially at their acclaimed "Festival au Désert" by radical extremists, the campaign promotes an international dialogue of peace and plurality through music and the arts.
Peaceful Sounds
Prior to the war, Timbuktu was a hub for music and its legendary festival drew thousands of music lovers from around the world. The silence enforced by beatings, destruction, and even executions forced Timbuktu's musicians into exile but they kept on singing.
Malian musicians continued to share their heritage and talent with the world whenever and however they could, and so Mali's musical tradition lives on.
Khaira Arby, the Nightengale of Timbuktu, sings from home
You kidnap your brother, taking him hostage!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, it’s peace!
You put him on the market,
The owner of euros gives its share
The owner of dollars deals for him
The comings and goings of the Mediator
This why I'm afraid of this world
The world scares me
I'm afraid of this world"
Khaira Arby, "La Liberte"
Salif Keïta performs for PBS on his island in Bamako
Legendary Mandingo musician Salif Keïta plays the guitar for Jeffrey Brown of PBS Newshour.
Ali Farka Touré, live in New York
Ali Farka Touré band performs in front of a full house at The Met in New York.
Terakaft, live in New York
Terakaft performs in front of a full house at The Met in New York.
Essakane Films
PBS Newshour
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