Mali Foli Drum and Dance Study Tour, 2024

Bamako, Mali

Jan.10 – Feb.10, 2024

Bassidi hosts drum and dance study tours to Bamako, offering international music and dance students the chance to study with him and his percussion group, Bwazan.

Bassidi has over 15 years experience welcoming international students to Bamako for one-on-one music and dance tuition and group workshops. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Mali’s vibrant musical culture and traditions, and to share in the lives of Bassidi’s griot family and wider community who will warmly welcome you in as family.

Students of all levels are invited on this 4-week tour, beginners through to professional musicians. Tuition is offered in the djembe, doun doun, balafon, kamaln n’goni, tamani (talking drum), and traditional dance. Students can choose how many weeks they wish to attend and are offered four hours of intensive study a day, Monday through to Friday. On top of these study hours, students are invited to train with Bwazan during their 2-3 hour rehearsals, three days a week. Students will extend their musicianship in their chosen instrument/s while being deeply immersed in the authentic traditions and cultural context in which these instruments are played in Mali and the wider region. Students learn griot rhythms from throughout West Africa, predominantly Mali.

At night and during weekends, students will have ample opportunities to explore the bustling music scene of Bamako, West Africa’s music capital. Being the festival season, students will attend the many and varied colourful music festivals, ceremonies and marriages, and other cultural events in Bamako and surrounding region. Students will accompany Bwazan’s on their local and regional performances throughout their stay.

Throughout the tour, students will be offered chances to explore the historic sites of Bamako and surrounding region, including local artisan markets, and the National Museum of Mali, where Mali’s ancient history is preserved. The tour includes a 1-week stay in a local village outside of Bamako; a chance for student to wind down and follow the natural rhythms of a slower-paced, village lifestyle in the natural environment while continuing their study.

The tour will conclude with a ‘Master’s Concert’ in the centre of Bamako, who will see Bassidi and Bwazan perform alongside Mali’s other renowned percussion groups.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime!