FESTIVAL ON THE NIGER     SEGOU                  29 January - 01 February 2009 

The “Festival on the Niger” takes place every year in Ségou.. It is a cultural music and dance festival, that lasts for 3 days and nights. There is a lot to see and to do.

On a  stage in the river and along the riverbanks are the musical and traditional dance performances.

At the evening, the concerts are held on this stage and the bank is a perfect “place” to enjoy the music…

Many of the Malian  celebrities come to perform and also international artist are invited to participate

Some of the artist who have been to the Festival in Ségou are: Toumani Diabate’, Oumou Sangaré, Salief  Keita, Tinariwen, Bassekou Diabaté, Lobi Traoré, Sekouba Bambino, Amadou et Mariam, Neba Solo, Abdoulaye Diabate, Djénèba Seck, Baba Sala, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Super Biton de Ségou, Afel Bocoum, Yoro Diallo  and others.

Giant puppets and dance groups parade through the town; they are delegates from several tribes and professions, like Donsow Ségou (the hunters), Korodougow, (kind of court jester); Puppets of Pélénguana, Troupe Diakoro; Puppets of Markala; Troupe Tiongoni (puppets of the Bozos) and more.

In several studios are art exhibitions, which always have a theme and for 2009 the theme is: Love.

You can meet the artists and the craftsmen, who made the art works ( like bogolans, pottery etc.) and talk to them about their work, their trade

and their life.

They also give workshops, where they teach about the techniques and gives you an opportunity to be creative yourself, to exchange ideas and knowledge. It may be the basis of a friendship.

Every year a special African movie is shown; for 2009  the film has not yet been chosen.

Then there are the storytellers; storytelling is very important in Mali because it is a way of getting information, entertainment, education and creates solidarity.

Often myths and legends are told, under the Balanzan tree preferably.

And at the Fair you can find the works of several craftsmen like the potters, the workers in precious metals, the sculptors, the bogolan makers, the painters; they sell their work. You can try all kinds of local products – the fresh fruits, the fruit juices, the dried fruits, African honey, fish and fish products.

And not to miss:

the Race of the Pirogues. The owners of the pirogues and their teams try to win the race across the river. The winners get a cash price and the “jonjon” (the flag of victory).