Do you know of any other Mali related activities happening in the UK? If so then let us know so we can spread the word!!

 

In collaboration with the Centre of African Studies at SOAS,
Friends of Mali-UK presents:

Dolce Vita Africana

A documentary portrait of the African photographer Malick Sidibe, and a journey through Malian history inspired by his iconic images. Sidibe's snapshots from the late 50s through to the early 70s capture the carefree spirit of a youth asserting their freedom from colonialism in the early days of Malian independence - until a coup ushered in decades of austere military dictatorship. So this is a film not only about art, but also about a culture reflected through a camera lens, in a country that today is one of the poorest in the world.

Directed by Cosima Spender.

 

 

14th April 2008

Khalili Lecture Theatre

SOAS, London

 

 

 

 

The BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music takes place this year at London’s Dingwalls on April 10th. Some of the dazzling stars of world music receive their ‘planet’ for an outstanding album or live work during the past year at a ceremony, that for the first time in the awards history, is open to members of the public.

Four of the hotly tipped nominees are from Mali.

Ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate is nominated for two awards, Best Newcomer, and Africa, having already won the Best Album category (announced last December). His debut album, Segu Blue was described by the Daily Telegraph as “fabulously resonant, hypnotic music”. Vieux Farka Touré , son of famed Malian guitarist Ali, is also nominated for Best Newcomer, and Toumani Diabaté, who by common assent is the most gifted kora player of his generation, alongside universally acclaimed trancey desert bluesmen Tinariwen are both nominated in the Africa category.

In July, the Awards for World Music host their traditional celebratory concert, where the much coveted Audience Award is presented – an award voted for by members of the public, and open to all nominated artists. Vote for your favourite Malian artists from April 11th when the voting lines open.

Click here to vote for your favourite Malian artist!

Members of the public can apply for tickets to the Awards Ceremony by calling the BBC Studio Audience line on 0870 901 1227 or online at www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/tickets. Tickets are free, subject to availability. The lines open on Monday March 24th at 11.15pm with tickets offered on a first come first served basis.

 

10th April 2008

July 2008

 

 

 

Exclusive offers for Friends of Mali Members

Friends of Mali members are entitled to two exclusive offers courtesy of Wrasse Records and the Rough Guide.

Listen to the beautiful voice of Idrissa Soumaoro. Purchase his CD 'Kote' at £11 compared with RRP of £15.35 on Amazon. For each CD sold £4 will go to Friends of Mali. Simply send a cheque to FoM at PO Box 43316, London N5 2WX with your name and address.
Get the new Rough Guide to West Africa (which has a new, detailed section about Mali with loads of useful information) by phoning 0207 010 3701. Say you want to purchase it at the Friends of Mali special offer price of £15, including post and packing compared with RRP of £19.99 in the shops. Quote your Friends of Mali membership number (email info@friendsofmali-uk.org if you can't remember it !) . Pay by phone with your credit card and the book will be mailed out within a couple of days. For every book purchased £3 will be given to Friends of Mali.

If you would like to suggest or facilitate future Friends of Mali-uk events, please contact info@friendsofmali-uk.org.