20080429-Conakry
20100208-Egyptian-Pyramidswww.thisfabtrek.com > journey > africa > mali > 20060205-segou
Closing, Cheick Oumar Sissoko.
Well before Koredougaw and Donsow stroll the quay as some days ago at the opening ceremony. Women dance to the drum beats, the feast is in full swing.
But then soon officials arrive, amongst them le ministre de la culture Cheick Oumar Sissoko. He understands his matter, is the non-political in the government, he holds the government position because of his qualification. The former film director talks freely without the help of a script for some 15 minutes, presenting his visions in many different languages. Interview 1994, comprehensive interview 2003 in French. There is lots more on Google, most though in French.
People follow with interest, this congenial, likable minister.
Adama Yalomba
After the opening ceremony, sun sets over a quiet Niger river while Adama Yalomba is doing his balance (sound check).
What is the name of his instrument Mali-music says it's a dan/n'dan, not a kora as I believed. Others call it le yalomba, as it is pretty much his own creation. Or is it a 9 string n'goni?
P.S. March 2008: Finally I have the answer. It is a Kamel n'goni with 12 strings. Thanks Geoffroy.
His performance was one of the best, and he gives it all always carrying that remarkable boyish grin in his face.
When I go back I have to buy some of his music.
Djénèba Seck
On Mali-music, the "preacher of Malian music". She says the things as they are and touches the ills of society. "Music has permitted me to overcome my timidity".
On Afrik.com (in French), a "beautiful voice, a voice as if it had run through the desert, carried over by the wind in search for the sea". She has won the Golden Tamani 2005, for the best Malian artist of that year.
Her Singers
But really as a photographer I am more interested in her singers. They happen to stand in one fine line. In choosing my position to get to those shots I have a small feeling of doing something right here, finally.
Tamani, talking drum
Tamani, or N'tama played holding it in the armpit (armpit drum). Others call it talking drum for the difference it makes in sound when squeezed under the armpit.
Molobaly Keita
Earlier in the day
Nyangara
Nico and Julie
The friends did not get much sleep recently (2 hours yesterday, may be 3 the day before). And the gain ?! Well maybe a bloody well organised festival and appreciation from ministers and other officials to the people from the BBC and just friends like myself and Hasna.
And they have started contemplating, "will we do another year here in Segou?", or "where are we going next?", "where's the next festival, we can contribute to?"
I for my part hope I can join them again, same place or another.
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