Afel Bocoum: The Return of the Messenger

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A Mwldan / i4Africa Co-production

Afel Bocoum remains a bridge between worlds. He carries Mali's Niger River sound forward as a living force shaping tomorrow.

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.

January 2026

31Howard Assembly Room, Leeds
30Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda
29RWCMD, Caerdydd / Cardiff
28Mwldan, Aberteifi / Cardigan
26100 Club, London
25Turner Sims, Southampton
24Cornish Bank, Falmouth
23St George's, Bristol
22University St John’s College Auditorium, Oxford
21The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
20Liverpool Philharmonic
18Band On The Wall, Manchester
17Glasgow Celtic Connections

Testimonials

Rolling Stone France on Lindé

"Afel Bocoum’s consoling voice is a call for hope, unity, and togetherness. He offers us light and joy, distilling an energy that gives us goosebumps."

PopMatters

"His sincerity resonates, his voice inspires, and his easy, understated charisma makes him a capable leader of a varied group of musicians."

Uncut

"The gifted, unassuming Malian singer-guitarist Afel Bocoum... rules the roost with his assured vocals and hypnotic guitar stylings."