Songhoy Blues

About the artist

Songhoy Blues is a Malian desert blues music group from Timbuktu, formed in Bamako after its members were forced to leave their homes due to civil conflict and the imposition of Sharia law, which banned music. Their sound is characterized by intertwining Malian pentatonic scales, rock-driven rhythms, raw vocals, and intricate guitar work, often described as "Timbuktu Punk" or "Africa-blues-rock". The band's music draws from their Songhoy heritage and aims to recreate the lost ambiance of northern Mali, blending traditional Malian music with rock, funk, and R&B influences. Their latest endeavor is their fourth album, "Héritage," released on January 17, 2025, via Transgressive Records. This album marks a shift towards a more acoustic and contemplative version of their desert blues sound, featuring new compositions and interpretations of Malian classics. "Héritage" includes collaborations with renowned Malian musicians such as Afel Bocoum, Rokia Koné, Neba Solo, and Madou Diabaté, and incorporates traditional instruments like kora, soku, and kalabash. The album is a tribute to ancestors and a plea for unity in Mali, with songs addressing socio-political issues like the importance of keeping rivers clean. Beyond their music, Songhoy Blues are also known for their advocacy, appearing in the documentary "They Will Have to Kill Us First," working as WaterAid ambassadors, and performing at the UN Climate Action Summit to highlight global issues.