Mali Foli Drum and Dance Tour, 2023

Bamako, Mali

Jan.10 – Feb.10, 2023

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

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 (the study of other instruments and/or art forms can be arranged through Bassidi’s varied music/artisan networks). Students can choose how many weeks they wish to attend and are offered four hours of intensive study a day, Monday through to Saturday. 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, dexterity and technique of their chosen instrument/s and will develop a deeper understanding of the authentic traditions and cultural context in which it is played in Mali and the wider region. Students will 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. They are invited to attend the many and varied local music festivals, ceremonies and marriages, and other cultural events in Bamako and surrounding villages. Students are welcome to accompany Bwazan’s on their local and regional performances.

Throughout the tour, students will be offered chances to explore the historic sites of Bamako and surrounding region, including local artisan markets, the National Museum of Mali, where Mali’s ancient history is preserved, and Siby Village and its nearby rock formations and waterfalls. After class and on weekends, students can wind down and relax in the pristine, leafy botanical gardens at the National Park of Mali in the city centre of Bamako.

The tour will conclude with a ‘Master’s Concert’ for students, who will see Bassidi and Bwazan perform alongside Mali’s other renowned percussion groups.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime! Bassidi welcomes you!