Mali

From Ali Farka Toure to Rokia Traore, Mali is home to one of Africa's most diverse and thriving music scenes. Musicians are highly prized in Mali; in the griot tradition, they are both historians and political advisors, and they can wield considerable influence. Mali's rich sounds are no doubt due to its ethnic mix: Mande, Bamana and Fula people share much of the country, while the Tuareg populate the desert regions – and they all make music! While many musicians currently play standard rock instruments, Mali's traditional music is best known for its use of the kora, a 20+-stringed instrument that lies somewhere between a harp and a lute. Besides its prominence in world music, Mali is also the origin of much American music; the American blues (and therefore rock 'n' roll) flows directly from the singer-songwriter tradition of this country.