Festival sur le Niger 2012

The eight edition of the Festival sur le Niger took place this past week in Ségou, from Wednesday, February 15th through Sunday, February 19th. Just like last year's festival, it provided a great sampling of the diversity and vibrancy of the Malian people. Although the Azawad rebel movement in the north of the country has been seizing the headlines lately, this festival proves that these fighters are in the minority.

It is amazing to see such diverse cultures represented in one local festival and interacting with each other. During the 'concerts géants' along the river at night, the energy is unreal. Nearly the entire crowd dances to whatever act is onstage. One of my favorite scenes is when Tuareg men, in their traditional turbans and robes, dance with the Bambarans and Fulanis. The contrast in wardrobe and culture is self-evident, but so is the mutual sense of harmony and camaraderie.

Here are some of my favorite acts from this year's edition:

One of my new favorite Malian bands performing on Thursday at the music festival. Neba Solo is a band from the region of Sikasso. Their music is high energy and easy to dance to; traditional music with a flare.

Baba Sissoko performing Thursday night with his band. He literally brought over 30 men and women from his family onto the stage to play the 'tamani' (talking drum). His set was a blast of rhythm.

Pawari was another great band in the same vein musically as Neba Solo. They are from Segou and performed both on Friday and during the closing ceremonies on Sunday.

A group of Tamashek (Tuareg) men and women performing their traditional music and dance. The woman dancing in the center is actually a Bambaran woman who opted to join the fun.

The 'kurun' (wooden long-boat) race took place on Saturday. The 'kurunw' begin the race along the shore to the left of the stage, paddle out to the center of the river, then return to the shore.

Salif Keita performing a blazing set with his band on Saturday night. Salif Keita is the first Malian artist I had ever listened to, way back in 2004. I was thrilled to be able to see him perform in his native land, and he did not disappoint. He delivered a string of high-powered and beautiful hits. His voice, as always, was amazingly rich and expressive, yet he knew when to step aside and let his band shine.

Habib Koité is another one of my favorite musicians. His band closed out the Saturday night performances.

Balla Tounkora performing with his band early Sunday afternoon. His music had a great groove to it which had the entire crowd dancing.