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Sample Track 1:
"Khaira" from Timbuktu Tarab
Sample Track 2:
"Djaba" from Timbuktu Tarab
Layer 2
Interview/Concert Preview

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Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Interview/Concert Preview >>

Khaira Arby has been called the Diva of the Desert, the Queen of Malian Desert Soul, and the Nightingale of the North. Those are flattering titles for the powerful singer, who was born close to Timbuktu. She’s been singing for decades and has released four albums in Mali, but her first international release wasn’t until a couple years ago. Arby has caught the ear of many music lovers impressed by her blend of musical styles and languages. Ethnically, her roots are Berber and Songhai; musically, she mixes blues and rock, chiselled by the harsh Sahara.

Listen to Arby's new unreleased song, "Chini Chini."

Arby's on tour in North America right now, and we asked her a few questions about her career, the political situation in Mali and her upcoming album.

Q: You’re one of few female musicians from Mali who have an international career. What did it take for you to become a musician?

A: Work and desire. I had to overcome gender-based obstacles. When I started, it wasn't easy as a woman. It was hard to get on stage, but I kept doing it anyway.

Q: As a woman, what kind of adversity did you have to overcome to become a musician?

A: Starting off, my parents weren't in favour of me performing. They didn't want me to be a singer. They wanted me to have kids and be a wife and stay off the stage. I chose to defy them and pursue my passion. Even though everyone said I had a great talent, they still wanted to discourage me from becoming a singer. I did have some encouragement along the way, but mostly it was very difficult. Q: In what way has your music been strengthened by overcoming adversity?

A: I sing about adversity. I sing about the struggles of women, I sing for peace, I sing about educating young girls and supporting family. The struggle is all in my music. Q: What is the situation like for women in northern Mali right now, with the ongoing rebellion?

A: I have a heavy heart for my home because the situation is very serious, many people don't have enough to eat and drink, families are displaced, schools are closed, people are fleeing as refugees. Women in conflict areas are always innocent victims. I pray for the West and the U.S. to help by not sending guns and armies, but sending ideas for diplomacy and peace. We don't need any more of your guns. Q: What kind of future do you envision for the women of northern Mali?

A: That depends on how this situation is resolved. My hope is that it will go back to the way it was with all ethnic groups working and living together. We want to raise our families the way we used to, send our boys and girls to school. Q: What kind of peaceful solution would you like to see in northern Mali?

A: I would like to see a return to a united Mali rather than a separated nation. The country and the people should come together and solve the problem and acknowledge that places like Timbuktu are diverse. The people of Mali can live peacefully. It is people from outside that are causing division. Q: What kind of future do you think your cousin Ali Farka Touré envisioned for Mali?

A: He was a prime advocate for a multi-ethnic nation. He helped found the Festival of the Desert in Mali, whose original mission was to use culture and music to bring people together. He would be very sad about what is happening right now. His hometown Niafunke is one of the hardest affected cities by the coup and rebellion. Q: How did Ali Farka Touré influence you?

A: He was a great supporter and gave me great musical advice. Q: What can we look forward to hearing on your upcoming album?

A: This album is going to have a lot of songs about peace, the struggle of women, as well as praise songs and celebration songs. Musically, it will be similar to Timbuktu Tarab, mostly upbeat, but there will be some slower ballads in an electric blues style. Our young guitarists have really matured in their style and songwriting.

Arby is performing at La Sala Rossa in Montreal on Monday, May 7, and at Lula Lounge in Toronto on Tuesday, May 8.

 05/07/12 >> go there
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