For over three decades, legendary musician Afel Bocoum has been a guardian of Mali's Niger River musical soul. A musical companion to Mali's late great desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré, he launched a solo career with debut album in 1999, Alkibar (The Messenger), and gained international recognition through collaborations with Damon Albarn, including 2002's Mali Music. Now, as one of the Sahel's most beloved artists and ambassador for endangered instruments like the njurkel lute and njarka fiddle, Bocoum is set to release singles from his new album Harber in October 2025, accompanied by a 13-date UK tour in January 2026.
"The gifted, unassuming Malian singer-guitarist Afel Bocoum... rules the roost with his assured vocals and hypnotic guitar stylings." – Uncut
"Protégé of Ali Farka Toure, singer, composer and guitarist Afel Bocoum steps out of the shadows... [with] mesmerising vocals... reflecting the vast horizons, swirling colours and timelessness of the river Niger." – The Guardian
