Born out of war and exile, this Malian group creates blistering, compelling West African rock music fused with elements of reggae and country.
It was formed in 2012 when three musicians from northern Mali – Aliou Touré, Garba Touré and Oumar Touré (not related) – fled to the capital, Bamako, after the Islamist group Ansar Dine took control of the region, banning music among much else. The three met in Bamako, recruited drummer Nathanael Dembelé, and a band began.
Following their debut, Music in Exile, their new album Résistance explores how Mali is perceived by the rest of the world in music often described as ‘desert blues.’
Aliou explains, ‘The situation in Mali now is different from 2012: it is getting better, so the lyrics we wrote are all about that.’
Painting a picture of their part of the world with humour and defiance, the band collaborate on Résistance with special guests including Iggy Pop.
Support comes from Snapped Ankles. Now settled in east London, Snapped Ankles maintain the feral energy of the forest, with primal rhythms, the rush of white noise and post-punk angles.
More Listings MORE
Made in Ancient Egypt
From the gold mask of Tutankhamun to the bust of Nefertiti, ancient Egyptians produced objects that remain iconic…
Deep Azure
Deep Azure is the UK premiere of Chadwick Boseman’s lyrical stage drama, presented in the intimate, candlelit surroundings…
Scrap It, Revamp It: 100 Years of Black History Commemorations (1926–2026)
In the early twentieth century, Black communities in the United States marked the February birthdays of social reformer…
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, the West End mega-hit, embarks on its first ever UK & Ireland tour,…
The Authenticator
In a major new commission for 2026, the National Theatre presents The Authenticator, a gripping gothic thriller by…
Small Island
Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of post-war London in Small Island,…
State of the Nation: An Evening with Akala
State of the Nation: An Evening with Akala is a compelling talk and cultural conversation featuring Akala —…
State of the Nation: An Evening with Akala
State of the Nation: An Evening with Akala brings acclaimed poet, historian, author and artist Akala to Glasgow…