Formed in Northern Mali, Songhoy Blues later relocated to Bamako because the militant groups forbade them from playing or listening to music.

Two years ago Anansy Cissé was forced to leave his home town, Tombouctou, due to the armed conflict that shook Northern Mali. Still, he continued to produce new music.

With a successful career spanning over 17 years and five albums, Rokia Traoré is one of the most renowned Mali musicians. A singer, songwriter and an accomplished guitar player, Rokia draws inspirations from both rock’n’roll and her native musical traditions. Her songs are instrumentally exquisite and full of genuine passion.

Discovered by Chris Eckman of The Walkabouts fame, Tamikrest are a group of Tuareg musicians that came together around 2006.

Born in 1966 in Garana, Bassekou Kouyaté started playing ngoni, a traditional lute found throughout West Africa, at the age of 12.