Germany, Mali | French | 2016
The West African country of Mali is the birthplace of the Blues, a musical tradition later carried by the transatlantic slave trade to America's cotton fields. Yet today the music and musicians of Mali are in grave danger, as fundamentalist Islam and Sharia Law become more widespread, dance and secular music are prohibited, musical instruments are destroyed, and musicians are forced to flee their homeland.
The vibrant documentary follows four artists: Fatoumata "Fatou" Diawara, a rising star on the global pop scene (memorably featured in the acclaimed drama Timbuktu); Bassekou Kouyaté, a celebrated ngoni player and traditional griot; Master Soumy, a young street rapper influenced by hip-hop; and Ahmed Ag Kaedi, the leader of the Tuareg band Amanar and a guitar virtuoso. Each combines rich musical traditions with contemporary influences, using their music to stand up to extremism and inspire tolerance and peace.
Speaker: Sidy Maiga, a master percussionist from Bamako, Mali, West Africa, who specializes in djembe and dun dun.
Co-presented by Healthy Tomorrow
Don’t miss a live performance by Malian guitar virtuoso Habib Koité at the Somerville Theatre on Saturday, November 11, 8pm, presented by World Music/CRASHarts. Save 20% on tickets courtesy of World Music/ CRASHarts! ONLINE input coupon code “BWFHK20" at the bottom of your shopping cart and click "Add Coupon. By PHONE call 617-876-4275. Discount is not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer. Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance. Offer subject to availability. Coupon code expires 11/10, 12pm.
