Festival Sur Le Niger

My first taste of West African Music
Festival Sur Le Niger

The past month I have been everywhere but my village. The first week in February I went to the Festival Sur Le Niger, which was in Segou (on the Niger River)... Good music and great times… and a bit of crazy dancing….

I wasn’t sure what to expect. But for a slight moment I though I was back in America. The stage was a real stage with real lights. It brought in lots of musicians, tourists and people from all over West Africa…

I wasn't familiar with much of the music, but found there was more talent than I had originally thought. Now, I know who to check out for next year.

I met lots of people and had the opportunity to play the jembe (drums). And after the shows each night saw some of the performers play at a private party. Which rocked! It was a great culture experience, being part of the music and attempting to be an malianmuso. Although I couldn’t sing along or understand the lyrics. But I sure did dance... what great fun....