- Title: MALI: First international jazz festival held
- Date: 14th May 2009
- Summary: VIEW OF BAMAKO BRIDGE WITH CARS DRIVING BY REGGAE STAR KOKO DEMBELE PERFORMING VARIOUS OF CROWD DANCING TO MUSIC DEMBELE PERFORMING POSTER PROMOTING CONCERT
- Embargoed: 29th May 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Mali
- Country: Mali
- Reuters ID: LVA749G2Q99V0ZXE7ASWYWHB4SR6
- Story Text: Bamako, Mali's capital, recently hosted its first international jazz festival.
For five days, the city's residents were treated to concerts featuring African and European jazz musicians.
One of the highlights was an open-air concert, held on the banks of the Niger River on Sunday (May 10).
All concerts and events were free of charge.
One of the festival goers Lamaire Troare was surprised at how much was on offer.
"I am really surprised to see that so many foreigners turned up.
Well with the movie, the music, and the snack bars here and there - I've even invited all of my children today," said Troare.
The Fanfare, Mali's biggest military brass band performed to the delight of the audience.
Fanfare has 50 members and usually plays at national events. On this occasion, French trombone player Daniel Malevergne was invited conduct the band in playing jazz.
Malavergne is more used to working with amateur brass bands in Europe.
"Well I am really happy to be part of this adventure, because in fact, it's the first time that I worked with a military band," said Malavergne.
Also performing at the event was the Fran Molina Flamenco Group, which combines a modern version of flamenco music with jazz.
"This is really a special evening, where the different cultures mix, and this is also the place where African and European culture come together. In this year of innovation and creation, for us it's really an example of what we can do together on the cultural level," said Giacomo Durazzo, the European Union's ambassador in Mali.
Malian reggae star Koko Dembele was one of the final acts.
The aim of the festival was to expose Malians to different genres of music, and also give local musicians a platform to showcase their music. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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