Rokia Koné on the challenges facing Mali’s youth

The interview was filmed at Radio Libré, a nightclub owned by reggae artist and human rights activist Tiken Jah Fakoly. Rokia also performs interpretations of two traditional Bambara songs: ‘Maya’ and ‘Diarabi Magni’. She is accompanied by Salif Koné on guitar and Alou Coulibaly on calabash.

The short film piece was recorded as part of a wider project, It Must Make Peace, an award-winning documentary film featuring Malian artists such as Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté and Afel Bocoum.

It Must Make Peace spans 3 years of filming in remote and often insecure locations all across Mali, West Africa, documenting performances and interviews with people who could be amongst the last to play their unique instruments or perform their traditional cultural arts. The film captures their profound passion for their traditions and the important role these play in bringing diverse peoples together, while they strive for unity and peace amidst a backdrop of increasing economic and political insecurity, religious extremism and globalization.

The film was directed and produced by Paul Chandler and Instruments 4 Africa (I4A), a not-for-profit organization formed to reinforce traditional music and the arts in Africa.  Committed to cultural preservation, I4A supports artists to keep their practice alive so they can continue to empower their communities. Check out the organisation’s YouTube channel, which features some fantastic musical performances, like this improv with Malian rap artist Iba One & Sidiki Diabaté: