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Bamako, Mali

Lucy Duran visits Bamako, capital of Mali, to hear music from Super Biton, regarded as one of the great dance groups of the 1970s, as well as young Apollo band the Freres Dambele.

Lucy Duran heads to Bamako, the capital of Mali in West Africa to explore dance band traditions new and old.

Super Biton de Segou, recorded especially for World Routes on stage at the French Institute in Bamako, are one of the great dance bands from the post-independence era. Formed at the time of President Modibo Keita's drive towards Cultural Authenticity, they took the stories and rhythms of the Segou region and formed a distinctive, driving, modern sound. 50 years on they are still going strong, and although they've never performed in the UK, are one of the most loved bands in Mali.

At the same time that government sponsored dance bands were being formed, other musicians were setting up their own brand of modern Malian music, inspired by the Apollo space missions, they became known as the Apollo bands. Today, there are few still performing, but the Freres Dambele are continuing a family tradition, and performing Apollo music in bars and clubs across Bamako. World Routes caught up with them in a dusty courtyard in a suburb of the capital for an exclusive session.

1 hour

Last on

New Year's Day 2012 22:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Location Recording

    • Les Freres Dambele

      ¶ΩΒα²Ή²Τ²µ²ΤΓ¨²ϊ²Ή

      • Recorded for World Routes in Bamako, Mali.

    • Les Freres Dambele

      Musow

      • Recorded for World Routes in Bamako, Mali.

    • Les Freres Dambele

      Djagoya Furu

      • Recorded for World Routes in Bamako, Mali.

    • Les Freres Dambele

      °ΥΓ©°ωΓ©²υΓ©

      • Recorded for World Routes in Bamako, Mali.

    • Super Biton de SΓ©gou

      Song

      • Recorded for World Routes onstage at the Institut Francais in Bamako, Mali.

    • Super Biton de SΓ©gou

      Song

      • Recorded for World Routes onstage at the Institut Francais in Bamako, Mali.

    • Super Biton de SΓ©gou

      Bozo

      • Recorded for World Routes onstage at the Institut Francais in Bamako, Mali.

    • Super Biton de SΓ©gou

      Tasi Doni

      • Recorded for World Routes onstage at the Institut Francais in Bamako, Mali.

Broadcast

  • New Year's Day 2012 22:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3