Mali The Country, Ethnicity, and Music by Region Regions of Mali Each region is named for its capitol city.
Kayes - Sparsely forested Koulikoro - Moderately forested Segou - Moderately forested Sikasso - The only heavily forested region of Mali Mopti - Kidal - Sahara desert Tombouctou - Sahara desert Gao - Sahara Desert and the District of Bamako The Wassalou area straddles the border region of Mali and Guinea between Bougouni and Kankan. | Music Regions  The diversity of musical traditions in Mali follows the plethora of ethnic groups inhabiting the country. Even though each has centers of activity in specific regions most all traditions are present in Bamako. Jenbe Ensemble - Koulikoro, Sikasso, Segou, Kayes Bonkolo Ensemble Segou, Koulikoro N'taman Kayes, Koulikoro, Sgou, Sikasso, Mopti N'taman/Dununba Kayes, Koulikoro Bobo/Minianka/Senufo Ensembles Sikasso, Segou, Mopti Gi Dunun (Calabash Drum in Water) Wassalou Maninka Jeli Kayes, Koulikoro, Segou, Sikasso Wassalou Music Northern Music Fula | Ethnic Groups  The history of Mali traces the conflict, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence of various of ethnic groups inhabiting the region. The Maraka are said to be the original settlers of the area, followed by the Maninka who ruled the Mande Empire and are considered to be a parent to the other Mande groups. Mande Groups Bamana - Centers in Segou and Sikasso Maninka - Maraka (Sarakole or Soninke) Minianka Senufo Bwa Cliffdwellers of Bandiagara Donkono Watermen Bozo Sahara Groups Beyla Touareg Songhai Pastoral, found throughout West Africa Fula (Peul) |