Desert Festival in Mali

[FreeCaRveR]

Hi there

Anyone know the dates yet for the 2007 Desert Festival in MAli?

Anyone been there in the past?

grtz

Freecarver

[neil parsons]

The festival is to be held on 11-13 january 2007

[Sophie-Bart]

http://www.festival-au-desert.org/

[Richard K]

I really, really hope for everyone's sake the powers that be sort out the festival properly this year. I thought it was badly thought out - site far too spread out for the tiny amount of people and the ticket prices were outrageous for the few of us who weren't claiming journalistic privileges.

A small point for hardy adventurers, but don't expect showers, toilets or even water by day three. We were prepared, some weren't.

There were also some really substandard Western musicians. Swedish (?) hippies performing Native American chants was a particularly harrowing lowpoint for me. After a few lagers I was ready to bumrush the stage.

If you're into Malian music (and if you're not, you should be) it might be worth considering a few days hanging out in Kiafunke or checking out some of the smaller festivals instead.

Shame as the festival's potential is awesome and in many ways it's still a genuine event. It's magical drinking cold , listening to tunes in the dunes and watching the veiled ones charge around on camels in their finery, but temper any idealised visions and pack some extra Euros.

[desertfox]

Richard
I'll bear this in mind! as this is the kind of information we need to know, re the actual music! I guess you won't be going in January then?
I'm usually very prepared and even have my own shower...well, its used very, very rarely!
I'm doing a spot or organising for this trip for 3 x 4x4 and up to 9-10 people altogether. Am hoping the trip will turn out ot be financially viable for our group.
Regards
landcruiser

[Richard K]

Sadly, no more Africa trips for me this year : (
RE: finances - as a group I'm sure there's scope for discount.

Be interesting to hear experiences from anyone who's visited the other festivals in the area.

[Christo]

Hello

Just found your thread about the festival in the desert (back in July)and I wondered if I could pick your brains.

I am going to Niger and Mali sometime next year (funds permitting) and heard that there were good clubs in Bamako, one even run by Toumani Diabaté. Have you been anywhere great in the city (preferably not filled with Damon Albarn et al)? I am into Taureg and southern bluesy stuff.

[Quintin]

Hi Christo

Toumani Diabate's club is called the Hogon and if he's in Mali he often/usually plays there on Friday nights. The other place I've been to is called 'Espace Bouna' which is on the north side of the river. Saw the Super Rail Band there on New Years Eve a year or so back. Just ask and you'll find out who's on when you're there. Most of the bigger towns (Segou, Mopti etc) have music venues-indeed there's a festival in Segou-but until you get North of the Niger, most of the music will be Mande music and not 'the desert blues'. To hear that you'll need to go to the Festival au Desert (but note Richard's remarks-WOMAD it is not) or one of the other festivals out in the desert region.

Regards
Q

[donncha]

There is also an interesting concert in Bamako in early March - see
http://www.bamako-culture.org/actual....html#festival
Oumou Sangaré, Boubacar Traoré dit Karkar, Habib Koïta, Salif Kéïta (Mali), Youssou N'Dour, Baba Maal, Manu Dibango, Tiken Ja Fakoly, Carlos Santana, Tracy Chapman, Alpha Blondy etc.

Denis

[sebm]

Is there anyone that goes to this festival through Algeria ?
I plan a trip with 4x4 by 3rd of january.

Séb M

[donncha]

Séb

I am going to festival, but via Atlantic route and return via Algeria

Denis

[sebm]

When do you arrive in Morocco ?
When do you go to Algeria ?

[donncha]

Séb

Afeter reading the thread again, maybe you were referring to the January festival?
I am going to the one on March, starting in Morocco on 11 Feb. Should get to Algeria in late March.

Denis

[sebm]

Yes, my project is for January