Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in conversation with writer and filmmaker, Manthia Diawara, and Executive Director of the world renowned Festival Au Désert of Timbuktu, Mohamed Ali Ansar.

Music is a political language in Mali, reflecting cultural changes, ideas of African unity, and issues of equality and rights. The Festival Au Désert, currently exiled from Mali due to political instability, is the most remote music festival in the world and yet attracts many of the greatest rock and blues musicians. With the current conflict, rising bans on music, and invading militants, Ansar will talk about the symbolic importance of the Festival and what its return to Timbuktu would mean for Mali. Diawara discusses the incredible reach and appeal of Malian music, and how the lives of contemporary Malians are reflected through their music. 

View the series.

These programs are in conjunction with the Mali Now series, celebrating contemporary Malian music, culture, and politics. 

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