Mali Music

[CaledonianGonzo]

The first act to be announced for this summer's Glastonbury is the Malian singer Rokia Traoré and bands from the embattled country will open the Pyramid stage each day, organisers have said. In an intended act of solidarity with musicians in Mali, where Islamists in the north have banned music, other parts of the festival site, including a revamped dance area, will also feature a heavy west African presence

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/jan/17/glastonbury-2013-lineup-first-acts?CMP=twt_fd

[CaledonianGonzo]

So - any takers for who else might play? Amadou & Mariam? Tinariwen? Toumani Diabate? Group Doueh?

At any rate, this is a pretty cool thing, IMHO.

[monkey1989]

Nice first announcement in the spirit of glastonbury , gonna give her a listen now

[CaledonianGonzo]

Aye - her Spotify listens are about to go through the roof.

[ian the worm]

Saw her on Jools a while back - brilliant.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Great stuff.

[stylishkids]

Nice to see Glastonbury highlighting the musical qualities of a country such as Mali with its problems in the North. A great move.

'It is understood that only one headliner has been booked so far, and their identity remains a secret.'

I see that has been put there in the article as well. I'm guessing it's AM but it doesn't sound that great leaving it that late with only 1 booked. If it's true that is.

[MEGABOWL]

What a delightfully Glastonbury first announcement. She sounds pretty good too

[abdoujaparov]

This is a fantastic idea, really glad they're doing it

Oumou Sangare would be nice. Vieux Farka Touré as well...

[Chazeboy]

Superb first announcement, in the spirit of the fest completely, I saw it via Emily on twitter, you should see some of the comments already, who? What about the headliners, etc etc wooooosssshhhhhh they kinda miss the point of the festival me thinks

[Pilgrim S]

Great idea. Hope for a bit of Tinariwen as well

[5co77ie]

Salif Kaita would be amaziing, and Vieux Farke Toure with Idan Rachael - their new album Tel Aviv is mint.

[5co77ie]

Whilst it's not Malian - I'd love to see a performance of 'Fela' at Glastonbury too.

[CaledonianGonzo]

The Broadway show? Where would they perform something like that? Must have a fairly large cast, nevermind a full afrobeat orchestra.

Toumani Diabate's album from last year - a collaboration with a couple of Brazilian musicians whose names escape me - would also be very good performed live.

[The Nal]

Toumani Diabate's album from last year - a collaboration with a couple of Brazilian musicians whose names escape me - would also be very good performed live.

[scmusic]

I think it's a fantastic idea, as it's appalling that Mali, this once-great country where the sounds of the Maghreb met the sounds of sub-Saharan Africa, is under threat from fundamentalist loons.

As for the prospects of Tinariwen playing, sadly, I am afraid that will depend on the fate of Abdallah Ag Lamida, one of their guitarists, who was caught by the Ansar Al Dine Islamist group as they tried to capture the entire band (the rest managed to escape). His whereabouts are unknown, and it's not known if he's even still alive.

For fans of African music, it's a very distressing time, and I fully applaud Glastonbury making an effort to raise awareness.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Agreed with all of that - however, Tinariwen are more of a collective and often tour without some of the main members. In fact, I've never even seen them play with Ibrahim. I think it's the other Abdallah that's more critical to their touring band. However, that's caveated by the fact that I may be talking cobblers.

To be honest, however, I prefer the bands on the Sublime Frequencies Guitars from Agadez series - Group Bombino, for example. They're a bit rawer and more fiery.

[mrtourette]

Nothing like a good cause to get behind, behold the Glasonbury ethos. Well done everyone.

Edited January 18, 2013 by mrtourette

[CaledonianGonzo]

it's a great cause, though I'd also add that while the fundamentalists in the north threaten Mali, I'm not convinced that the current French-lead intervention we're seeing is going to be particularly good for the place either.

Nevertheless, it's things like this that make Glastonbury special.

[whisty]

Was forced into watching Rokia on West Holts or Jazz stage whatever it was a couple years ago. Ended up buying a signed CD afterwards. Absolutely sublime performance. This whole topic is great news.

Edited January 18, 2013 by whisty

[Superscally]

PLEASE get Boubacar Traore to play!!!! Check him out guys, if you haven't - AMAZING mix of Malian sound and the blues!

[ToxicJesus]

What a wonderful decision, bloody love Glastonbury! Toumani would be a sensational addition, as would a DJ set by these guys: http://sahelsounds.com/

[Ruwise]

Ashamed to say I'm not great at seeking out world music but would like to buy one of her albums to give a listen before Glastonbury any suggestions on which would be best to start with?

I did see her on Jools Holland and she sounded great and really pleased that Glastonbury made this the first announcement to ensure it got maximum publicity.

Edited January 24, 2013 by Ruwise

[CaledonianGonzo]

I'm not that well-versed either, it must be said, but you could definitely do worse than start with Bowmboï. It's the only one I've got and is a lovely listen.

[whisty]

I have Wanita and purchased Tchamantché after the show so I guess that ones most current. Please don't be put off a purchase but for me, am not so much into the recorded music, the performance was very special tho.