AUGUST 10 “THIS WEEK IN THE MUSIC OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE”

This week 2012 (August 13), the National Instrumental Ensemble of Mali performed 15 pieces of music from both Malian and Nigerian heritage for the Chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Ensemble performs traditional Malian music as well, and “celebrates Mali’s ethnic ancestry.”

The Ensemble does not shy from political issues. Following a March 2012 coup d’etat, the Ensemble protested the political crisis in Mali (hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled from the north of the country, where several terrorist groups occupy territory) by composing new songs, while n’goni player Bassekou Kouyate spoke out during a London concert.

To listen to some of the Ensemble’s music, check out this video.