The Festival on the Niger (Festival sur le Niger) will take place from 2 to 7 February 2010 in Segou (Mali). It offers a unique, with large groups of music and traditional dance, but also famous artists of the sub - region, which will play on the river.

Founded in 1852, Segou, keeper of one of the most ancient histories of West Africa, capital of the ancient Bambara kingdom, has an undeniable charm which is well worth discovering. Ancient kingdom of culture and tradition, Segou has inspired numerous writers and historians. Among the most famous is Maryse Condé.

This years theme will be : “Culture and Governance”. The principal program elements will be: a discussion forum (themes: “Is the Malian culture a source of inspiration for an adapted Governance and progress for Mali?” and “What type of political, economic and social governance for Africa?” ), art expositions (theme: “Water”), tales and legends, music and dance, masks and puppets, a craft fair, and workshops.

Traditional Performances : “Ségou receives Kayes”

Traditional groups unveil the great cultural richness of our ancestral rites, unique occasions to discover these shows that tend to be forgotten and to which the festival on the Niger gives a new expression.

Music, dances and puppets, traditional hunters’ show, pirogue races...

Artists scheduled at the 2010 Festival on the Niger in Segou

  Salif Keita (Mali)
  Habi Koité (Mali)
  Nahawa Doumbia (Mali)
  Baba Maal (Senegal)
  Tinariwen (Mali)
  Kassé M Diabaté (Mali)
  Atongo Zimba (Ghana)
  Baba Salah (Mali)
  Super Biton de Ségou (Mali)
  Sékouba Bambino (Guinea)
  Assan Kida (Mali)
  Mamou Sidibe (Mali)

This year the opening ceremony will take place at the Municipal Stadium on February 3rd, with the reconstitution of the various periods of the Malian music through a unique concept in order to celebrate 50th anniversary of Mali’s independence.

Flyer of 2010 Festival on the Niger in Segou in Mali

Selection of music videos of artists scheduled at the 2010 Festival on the Niger in Segou

  Salif Keita «La différence»

  Sékouba Bambino at Nuits d’Afrique (Montréal - Canada)

  Mamou Sidibe «Kanakoroto»