Afel Bocoum, peace through music of Malian blues

Afel Bocoum

Image source: facebook page Afel Bocoum

In spite of his surroundings Bocoum spent decades in music production

Afel Bocoum is among the generation of African musicians who made their own traditional music with the new sounds. Hailing from Niafunké in Mali, where exists lot of political tensions such as terrorism, poverty, tribal war etc… In spite of his surroundings Bocoum spent decades in music production, touring and recording with desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré.

Most of his singing is in Sonrai, his native language, but also in Tamasheq (the language of the Tuareg) and in Fulfulde (the language of the Fula people). Bocoum’s father was a musician and was noted locally for his ability to play the njarka (a one-string fiddle) and njurkel (a kind of lute).  For instance he used to play music at weddings. Bocoum used to accompany his father to the weddings and there learnt the songs of his style of music. As a result he retained his preference for acoustic over electric guitar, and the use of traditional instruments. For example he was also a listener of the Malian musicians he grew up with, Bocoum cites Jorge Ben Jor, Mamadou Doumbia, Salif Keita, John Lee Hooker, and Mongo Santamaría as his musical influences.

His debut album ‘Alkibar’ (1999, World Circuit) propelled him to international recognition. Moreover leading him to work with Damon Albarn & Toumani Diabaté on 2002’s Mali Music. As well as contributing regularly to the famed Africa Express projects, and collaborating with Béla Fleck, Habib Koité, and Tartit Ensemble among others. Moreover melody is perhaps the most identifiable element of his musical compositions with soulful vocals.

Cover art: Lindé

Image source: facebook page Afel Bocoum

He premieres ‘Dakamana’, (the latest to be taken from his upcoming album ‘Lindé’,), check out the song below. It is melodious and sweet, a must listen track!