Songhoy Blues: Music in Exile

Songhoy Blues is a Grammy-nominated band from Mali. They fled their homes during the 2012 conflict and now use their music to raise awareness about the refugee crisis.

Who are Songhoy Blues?

Songhoy Blues is a Grammy-nominated group of musicians from Mali who are in exile due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. The group was formed in 2013 by guitarist Aliou Touré, bassist Oumar Touré, and drummer Nathanael Dembélé, who met while attending the Bamako Music Academy. They were later joined by vocalist and lead guitarist Garba Touré.

Songhoy Blues has released two albums, Music in Exile (2015) and Résistance (2017). They have been nominated for two Grammy Awards, winning one for Best World Music Album for Résistance.

The group uses music as a form of resistance and expression, sharing their story with the world through their music. Songhoy Blues is an important voice in the fight against extremism and violence, and their music is a powerful force for good.

What is the story behind their music?

The Songhoy Blues are a Grammy nominated desert blues band from Timbuktu, Mali. The group was formed in 2012 by exiles who fled the Islamist occupation of northern Mali. Their music is a fusion of traditional Malian music with Western rock and blues.

The Songhoy Blues’ story is one of courage and hope in the face of adversity. Their music is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can triumph.

How has their music helped them in exile?

Songhoy Blues is a Mali desert blues band. The members were forced to flee their homes in northern Mali in 2012 due to the rise of Islamist extremists and the ensuing Tuareg rebellion and civil war. Despite the violence and displacement, the band continued to make music, using it as a form of expression and catharsis.

In 2015, they released their debut album Music in Exile, which was met with critical acclaim. The album sheds light on the refugees’ experiences and provides a rare glimpse into their culture and everyday lives.

The band has said that making music helps them to feel connected to their homeland and to cope with the trauma of exile. It is also a way of resisting the forces that seek to silence them. Their music gives voice to the displaced and highlights the beauty and resilience of their culture.

What is the importance of music in general?

Music is a powerful tool that can bring people together and lift their spirits. It can also be used to express oneself and one’s culture. For the Songhoy people of northern Mali, music is a vital part of daily life.

Since being forced to flee their homes due to conflict, the Songhoy have been living in refugee camps in Niger. Despite the difficult circumstances, they continue to make music as a way to connect with their culture and express themselves.

Music is an important part of the Songhoy culture and helps to keep their community together. It also provides them with a valuable outlet for self-expression in a time of hardship.