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Mali

The Beating Heart of the Mandé Empire

Mali

10 days – October 16-25 2010
9 days – October 17-25 2010

Economically Mali may be one of the poorest countries in Africa, but musically it’s one of the richest on earth. The names of Mali’s biggest stars – Ali Farka Touré, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré and the Rail Band – will be familiar to anyone with an interest in African music.

Bamako, Mali’s capital, has a rich musical scene – and you’ll get a good flavour of the clubs and nightlife on this trip, as well as some excursions out to surrounding areas to witness music in rural West Africa, which is a fantastic experience in itself. Mali’s rich rural traditions are the source from which the popular urban scene in the capital draws. In Bamako, there are some amazing clubs, but the best music isn’t always easy to find – you need to know where to go and when.

We can also visit djembé and kora makers – some of the best in West Africa – to see the skills that go into making the instruments. We’ll hear great singers and instrumentalists on the distinctive instruments of Malian music – the kora (a sublime creation of gourd, cow-skin and fishing line), balafon (traditional xylophone) and djembé drum. This is a privileged music opportunity and one that no fan of African music should miss.

Of course visitors on this trip must understand that musicians may be away on tour and that the music scene changes on a month by month basis. Some things may be impossible to arrange, but usually something surprising turns up to make up for it. If you are prepared to be flexible, you will not be disappointed.

All Songlines Music Travellers will receive an information sheet about the local music, plus recommended recordings and DVDs.

Mali Itinerary

Day 1 Sat

For those flying out of the UK, we depart London in the afternoon for an overnight flight to Bamako arriving in the early hours of the Sunday morning.

Day 2 Sun

This morning our Songlines Music Travel leader will be meeting you for a late breakfast. This is when the trip will start for those joining us in Bamako. The morning is free to have a rest, a wander or a swim. After a break for lunch we visit the national museum of Mali and have a city tour. In the evening, after dinner, we head for the clubs to enjoy a night in Bamako.

Day 3 Mon

Today we drive out of Bamako. After an hour or so, we reach Sibi, an important location in the history of the Mande empire. Against a backdrop of spectacular rock formations we can learn about the history of Sunjata Keita’s and the battle of Koumanjan in the 13th century. The story will be told by one of our ‘griot’ friends – and it is still the inspiration for much of today’s music. We’ll have time to get some lunch in Sibi. We return to Bamako for dinner in the evening.

Day 4 Tues

Today we drive out of Bamako. After an hour or so, we reach Sibi, an important location in the history of the Mande Empire. Against a backdrop of spectacular rock formations we learn about the history of Sunjata Keita’s Mandé Empire in the 13th century. The story of the Koumanjan battle will be told by one of our ‘griot’ friends – and it is still the inspiration for much of today’s music. We’ll have time to get some lunch in Sibi. We return to Bamako for dinner in the evening.

Day 5 Wed

Today we head up-country to Ségou, on the banks of the Niger. On arrival, time to rest or wander the streets of the town – home to the great ngoni player Bassekou Kouyaté. In the evening we hear some of the distinctive Bambara music of Ségou.

Day 6 Thurs

A day in Ségou to explore this laid-back town. You’ll have the option to take a pirogue (boat) trip along the river to a small village of pottery-makers. A chance to chill out and and enjoy the riverside life of the town.

Day 7 Fri

We drive back to Bamako and, after checking into our hotel, we can catch up on a lively Friday night in Bamako.

Day 8 Sat

You can either spend the time having a wander around the Bamako craft market and going to Kader Keita’s street children’s workshop where they make bogolon (mud cloth), or our Travel Leader can arrange an optional trip out into the countryside.

Day 9 Sun

A final full day in Bamako deliberately left open for shopping or perhaps a workshop with some local musicians.

Day 10 Mon

For many, their flight to the UK leaves in the early hours of the morning. Time for just a few hours sleep before midnight, or perhaps just stay out with the music until it’s time to drive to the airport.