Dimanche à Bamako

by Bounaly

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TheMetallurgian Reminds me of my time in Ngoulemakong: village life, celebrations, bush taxi cassettes.
Really dig the guitar work. Imagine if J Mascis had been born in West Africa.

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1.	Wato To 08:20	buy track
2.	Ma Chérie 07:55	buy track
3.	Touré Iseye 06:42	buy track
4.	Chérie ye Bani 09:27	buy track
5.	Mali Mussow 09:16	buy track
6.	Tamala 04:58	buy track

about

First heard by global audiences on Sahel Sounds’ Music from Saharan WhatsApp series, Malian guitar hero Bounaly (the stage name of Ali "Bounaly" Traore) makes his full-length debut with “Dimanche à Bamako” (“Sunday in Bamako”). Recorded live on location, the music on "Dimanche à Bamako" is a mix of regional favorites, traditional standards, and originals. Long songs with looping rhythms, pounding kick drums, and electric shredding guitars, punctuated by shout-outs to the guests of honor. A raw and frenetic take on Northern Mali desert sound, playing for the diaspora at a Bamako wedding.

"Dimanche a Bamako" is a Malian colloquialism, in reference to Sundays as a day of celebrations. On any given Sunday, the well dressed head out en masse to various festivities happening throughout the city. Neighborhood streets are blocked off, tents assembled over in impromptu courtyards, colorful carpets laid down, and sound systems assembled. "Everyone has time; people are free to go because there is no work on this day. It's the day to relax," explains Bounaly.

Bounaly’s music is not something one would typically associate with the capital. This is desert guitar from Bounaly’s hometown of Niafounke (the birthplace of Ali Farka Toure). In 2012, vast swaths of the North of Mali were invaded by jihadists and plunged into chaos, and the diaspora resettled in the capital. Over the ensuing decade, Bamako has become a permanent home for the Northerners. The emerging community is spread throughout various neighborhoods, but all come together in celebration on Sundays.

Joined by vocalist Alhousseini Maiga and their neighborhood backing band, this recording gives listeners a personal invitation to a Sunday in Bamako.

credits

released November 17, 2023

Performed by:
Ali Traore dit "Bounaly"
Alousseyni Maïga - Vocals
Abdoulaye Touré dit DJ Sali - Vocals
Mahamadoun Samba dit "Sangho" - Drums
Ibrahim Cissé dit "Basalah" - Calabash

Recorded by Christopher Kirkley
Mixed by Eric Crespo at Torch Toucher Recording
Stereophonic Mastering by Timothy Stollenwerk
Graphic design by Gaspar Capac

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about

Bounaly Bamako, Mali

Ali "Bounaly" Traore, born in 1994 in Niafounke, Mali. Growing up under the influence of musical giants, including uncle Afel Boucoum, Bounaly started playing guitar at the age of 10. Fleeing to Bamako during the 2012 conflict, Bounaly carved a unique career his versatile style, from racucous wedding shredding, nostalgic acoustic fingerpicking to modern, synth-infused productions, ... more

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