Visit Mali | Bassidi Koné, Djembe & Balafon, Musician, Mali, West Africa

Bwazan, the Bobos who are the pride of Mali in the field of Percussion.

– Bamako Hebdo

Attending Bwazan’s Weekly Rehearsals

Bassidi and Bwazan rehearse in the city centre of Bamako at Maison des Jeunes. They currently rehearse late afternoons between 16:00 and 18:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. All visitors are welcome to attend! Please enquire via our contact page for more information.

Year-round Tuition and Workshops

Throughout the year, Bassidi Koné and members of his percussions group, Bwazan (bwazan-mali.com), offer private tuition and group workshops for local and international students wishing to study djembe, balafon, kamalan n’goni, doun doun, and traditional Malian dance.

Students of all levels are invited to study with Bwazan, beginners through to professional musicians. They have the freedom to select their study hours; up to five hours of intensive study a day with Bwazan, Monday through to Saturday, and are invited to train with Bwazan during their weekly rehearsals. Students extend their musicianship in their chosen instrument, and develop a deeper understanding of the authentic traditions and cultural context in which it is played. Students learn Griot rhythms found throughout West Africa, predominately Mali.

At night and during weekends, students are given ample opportunities to explore the vibrant music scene of Bamako. They are invited to attend festivals, ceremonies and marriages in Bamako and surrounding villages. Students are also welcome to accompany Bwazan on their overland tours to explore festivals and historical and cultural events throughout the wider region of Mali and West Africa.

As Bassidi and Bwazan are based in Mali, living and rehearsing in Bamako for the majority of the year, they receive students year-round. Most students visit between December and February. This is when most music festivals and cultural events happen in Bamako and the surrounding region. Students are welcome to commit to longer-term apprenticeships with Bwazan for up to three or more months.

If you are traveling independently, outside of Bassidi’s official tour dates, Bassidi and Bwazan will do all they can to assist you in meeting your needs and pursuing you interests during your stay. They will provide you with up-to-date information which details varied accomodation options, meal and restaurant options, recommendations on cultural and historical sites to explore, musical events and ceremonies to visit during your stay, and general travel safety advice. They will arrange transport to and from the airport for all students visiting, and instrument hire if needed.

* Please contact Bassidi well in advance, prior to booking your flights, to ensure they are in Bamako and available to provide you with tuition during your visit.