An article today in the Washington Post has highlighted the difficulties facing musicians and artists from the North of Mali.  Instruments 4 Africa is on the ground in Bamako helping musicians and artists from the North.  We are 100% volunteer managed organization based in Bamako since 2003.

We are partnering with artists like Afel Bocoum, Baba Salah, and Khaira Arby and organizations like The National Museum of Bamako to support artists to get back on their feet, share their art, while earning a living and keeping the culture alive.

Yesterday, Instruments 4 Africa sponsored eight different musicians who are refugees from the North of Mali to play with Afel Boccum & Alkibar at an event at the National Museum that was sponsored by several embassies and local Malian businesses.  They were joined by: Aboulaye Yattara (Toumbouctou), Mahaman Gassamba (Toumbouctou, Goundam) , MahamadouTelfi Toure (Toumbouctou, Goundam), Thiale Arby (Toumbouctou), Ibrahim Cisse (Niafunke), Ibrahim Nabo (Toumbouctou, Goundam), El Hodj Mahalmadan (Toumbouctou), Leila Gobi (Gao), Masser Maiga (Gao), Sekou Toure (Niafunke).  This was our 5th event this fall to sponsor displaced musicians from the North.

We are continuing to add displaced artists to our database and volunteers are contacting the families to assess their needs.  There is also an emergency fund for medical, school fees, food, etc.  Please feel free to contact us for further information.  When making donations please note “Aid for Northern Artists”.