December 8 - 10, 2023
Crocodile River Music presented MaliFest -
our largest production to date!
Between 3 concerts, 8 workshops, and an installation of Malian art, over 500 people joined us at the JMAC to experience the culture of Mali.
December 8
Yacouba Sissoko + SIYA
World-renowned master kora player Yacouba Sissoko and the band SIYA kicked off MaliFest, sharing the beauty of West African culture through the ancient practice of musical storytelling and the sounds of modern musical instruments. Through their music, the band fosters a global message of embracing love, peace, hospitality, and the importance of forgiving one another, all of which are integral aspects of Malian life.
100+ people learned about
Mali drumming & dancing at our workshops
December 9
Mali All Stars
This headliner music and dance extravaganza featured many of Mali’s superstar performers together on stage for the first time in Worcester. Master musicians and dancers who grew up in Mali and now live in America delivered a high-energy celebration of African music and cultures.
December 10
Crocodile River Music performs Dakar-Bamako Express
The Dakar-Bamako Express was a train line between two cities in West Africa: Dakar, Senegal, and Bamako, Mali. This 800 mile route was not just important for transporting goods - it connected many people and cultures. This high-energy program leads the audience through the stops of this journey with vocals, djembe, dundun, balafon, kora, calabash, kamale ngoni, and 7-string electric bass.
Our sincere thanks to all who made MaliFest a success!
Additional thanks to all who captured the magic of MaliFest, including Joshua B for the Mali All Stars and Troy Thompson for our Dakar-Bamako Express program.