Get to Know Mali’s Culture With These Songs

Bamako, Mali. Image by dutourdumonde/Depositphotos

The West African country of Mali is home to a rich and vibrant musical tradition that spans from moody blues to traditional tribal music. Countless western devotees including Damon Albarn and Idris Elba have sung the country’s musical praises. Let’s take a look at 4 songs that will help introduce this rich tradition.

Tinariwen – Toumast Tincha

This haunting track combines blues riffs with traditional singing motifs. Sounding somewhat similar to Leonard Cohen, this Tuareg song is an example of so-called “desert blues”.

Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba – Siran Fen

This track combines traditional Malian instruments such as the ngoni with Islamic style vocals and rock and roll guitar. This is one that you just have to get up and dance to.

Songhoy Blues – Soubour

This rock and roll style band combines western electric guitar riffs with traditional singing. The end result is an exciting and refreshing track that you just have to stomp your feet to.

Kassé Mady Diabaté – Simbo

Said to have the best voice in all of Mali, Kassé Mady Diabaté is a wonderful example of a traditional Malian storyteller. Earthly and supremely controlled vocals play off of traditional stringed instruments that conjure up images of the medieval troubadour or poet.