Mali: m'bolon inscribed as an intangible world heritage in urgent need of protection
Audio 01:33
Lassana Kourouma playing the m'bolon in Bamako, December 14, 2021 © NICOLAS REMENE / AFP
Text by: David Baché
2 min
The m'bolon is a traditional Malian instrument, melodic and percussive.
This instrument, especially played in the south of Mali, was inscribed on Wednesday on the list of intangible world heritage of Unesco requiring urgent safeguarding.
A form of recognition of the cultural value of this instrument, which should also make it possible to preserve it from the threats that threaten it.
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In the Mandingo, Senufo and Minianka cultures, the m'bolon is played during ritual ceremonies, to encourage the peasants before the harvest or the warriors before the fight.
It is also present in weddings, baptisms, prayers ... But it is especially the elders who practice it.
Habib Sangaré, nicknamed "Dia Bolon" for his mastery of the instrument, is only 47 years old.
He notably played for Rokya Traoré, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Salif Keita, or Kassé Mady Diabaté.
But when he started m'bolon, his relatives first tried… to talk him out of it: “
People tried to confuse me.
It is a sacred instrument.
Young people don't play m'bolon.
I only saw the old people playing the m'bolon.
Young people who see the rituals that I do, because I love the instrument, it can scare them to do it.
"
An instrument in danger
The disinterest of the younger generations is a threat, the scarcity of resources is another.
The m'bolon consists of a calabash covered with cowhide, and strings stretched over a wooden handle.
Moussa Cissé, head of the Malian delegation ad interim at Unesco explains: “
With climate change, there is a strong threat to agriculture and animals.
With bush fires, animals leave their natural habitat.
So there is a huge risk that the materials going into the constitution of these instruments may not be available.
"
Moussa Cissé, head of the Malian delegation ad interim to Unesco
David Baché
The inscription of m'bolon in the intangible world heritage of Unesco, requiring urgent safeguarding, should make it possible to strengthen the means of preserving this instrument.
►Also listen: Report Africa - In Niger, the museum of traditional musical instruments
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