Dambe – The Mali Project

Director: Dearbhla Glynn
Country: Ireland
Duration: 93’
Year: 2008

Renowned Irish musicians Liam O’Maonlaí (The Hothouse Flowers) and Paddy Keenan (The Bothy Band) undertake a musical journey through the stunning landscapes of Mali to capture its musical richness. This sub-Saharan country is among the five poorest countries in the world, yet it is one of the richest historically and culturally. Mali is considered the home of all string instruments and the original source of the Blues.

Paddy is a master of the Uilleann pipes and comes from a long line of pipers. He was raised on the road in a barrel top wagon in the traveller tradition that is steeped in musical history. Paddy has always dreamt of visiting Africa and spending time with nomadic musicians. Liam has a rock & roll background and has been described as the most soulful singer to come out of Ireland. Liam is plays a wealth of instruments from the bodhrán to the didgeridoo and has always been deeply inspired by the music of Indigenous people. Liam and Paddy develop a deep respect for each other’s music and are delighted in absorbing the culture and musical riches of Mali. Their collaboration subtly highlights the many similarities between Malian and Irish music: circular repetitive rhythms, similar instruments (the Kora and the Harp, the Gourd and the Bodhrán) and the same style of singing (Griot & Sean Nós).