Afel Bocoum is one of Mali’s most respected and enduring musical voices — a bridge between generations, a guardian of ancient Sahelian traditions, and a storyteller whose songs carry the texture, rhythm and history of West Africa. For over thirty years he has built a reputation not only as a master guitarist and singer but also as a cultural ambassador, preserving the musical heritage of the Niger River region while pushing its sound into new and contemporary spaces.
A long-time protégé and collaborator of the legendary Ali Farka Touré, Bocoum blends desert blues, folk traditions and spiritual melodies into a sound that is both timeless and unmistakably his own. His music is deeply grounded in the customs, languages and landscapes of Mali, and he sings in Sonrai — a language rarely heard on international stages — in order to keep its stories alive. His lyrics often explore themes of community, ancestry, the environment, and the importance of unity in the face of conflict, making his work as socially conscious as it is musically accomplished.
Throughout his career he has championed endangered traditional instruments such as the njurkel (a one-stringed lute) and the njarka (a single-string fiddle), weaving their warm, intimate tones into performances that feel both ancient and contemporary. His collaborations with artists like Damon Albarn, among others, have introduced his music to wider global audiences, yet his sound remains firmly rooted in the soil and culture of his homeland.
This special Liverpool appearance offers audiences a chance to hear music from his new album Harber, due for release in late 2025. The performance promises a powerful blend of reflective storytelling, intricate guitar lines and rich, earthy vocal textures that speak of both joy and longing, tradition and change. Bocoum performs with a warmth and sincerity that immediately invites connection, whether he is performing reflective ballads or driving, rhythmic pieces inspired by the vast open spaces of the Sahel.
For fans of West African music, desert blues, or global roots traditions, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience one of Mali’s most significant musical figures in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
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