Words Anyiko Owoko Image Rokia Traoré
This February, Mali hosts the eight edition of the annual Festival Sur Le Niger (The Festival On The Niger River) in the ancient town ofSégou.
An impressive cocktail of both international and local artists will take to the stage, situated right above the great River Niger, including top Malian acts Salif Keita, Boubacar Traoré, Rokia Traoré, Habib Koité, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Baba Sissoko, Super Biton de Ségou and Haira Harby. They will be joined by musicians from all over Africa, Europe and the US, such as Lokua Kanza, Pape Diouf, Becaye Aw, King Ayisoba and Heather Maxwell.
Taking place over five days, the Festival Sur Le Niger gives an international platform to both established African artists and young, emerging talent such as four-piece Afropop band Sauti Sol – whose inclusion this year makes them the first East African group to play at the festival.
Alongside the music performances, there will be a packed programme of artistic activities – ranging from craft workshops and puppet displays to art exhibitions and the regular discussion forum, this year centered around the theme Creation And Development.
Festival Sur le Niger 2012 takes place from February 15 to 19 in Ségou, Mali. For more information visit www.festivalsegou.org