Malian Blues

Malian blues, a hypnotic tapestry of sound rooted in the West African nation of Mali, is an intricate blend of traditional ethnic music and the soulful narrative style akin to American blues. Characteristically marked by the haunting rhythms of stringed instruments like the kora, ngoni, and the guitar, it weaves the ancient musical heritage of the Mandinka and Songhai cultures with contemporary motifs. The music often features call-and-response patterns, enriched with the region's languages and storytelling traditions, reflecting themes of love, hardship, and spirituality. The genre has been brought to international acclaim by artists who combine age-old griot narratives with modern sensibilities, creating a sound that is both deeply familiar to the Malian diaspora and resonantly exotic to global ears.

Sou Kora (Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani)

Ballaké Sissoko•

Emile Parisien•

Vincent Peirani

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released July 4, 2025