A joyful tonic for the pandemic-weary
Anansy Cisse s new release Anoura – literally the light – is not only a fine example of Malian music, but the story behind the album is also a microcosm of the struggles facing Malians, especially musicians, in the strife-ridden country. By Richard Marcus
Ever since 2012, when a Kel Tamasheq uprising was hijacked by extremist groups, Mali has been beset by violence, with musicians being particularly targeted. In 2018, as Cisse and his band were on their way to perform at a peace and reconciliation concert, they were waylaid by armed raiders who beat them, destroyed their instruments and kidnapped them.