Music In Exile – Songhoy Blues

This was completely new to me so I had no expectations going in to this one – other than the hint to genre in the band name. I found it fascinating and exciting and so full of energy. After listening I read about them and found that they are from Timbuktu, Mali but were forced in to exile due to conflict and Sharia law. They call their music desert blues and it is a fitting description.

Due to the singing not being in English I wasn’t able to follow the lyrics but the voices are so engaging and so full it almost sounded like another instrument added to the song. The music and musicianship is tremendous and mixed with the African rhythms makes for a truly unique experience.

I am glad to have discovered this, and the story behind the music and the forming of the band adds another layer to the story that makes me grateful to be able to listen.