Le Mali70 Earkestra is born out of a cooperative effort between celebrated Malian musicians, who were champions of the 1970s West African music scene, and the Omniversal Earkestra.
The Omniversal Earkestra, made up of 12 horns, bass and drums has per formed every Monday since March 2011 at underground venues in Berlin. They play their original compositions along with those of Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, Fela Kuti and other legendary bandleaders. The musicians involved are well established in their own right, performing regularly on various projects as essential parts of Germany’s vibrant music scene. This melting pot of influences and ideas is manifested in their arrangements and compositions providing the foundation for powerful, virtuosic and playful performances on stage.
A live performance in Berlin by a Tuareg band from northern Mali proved to be the catalyst. It inspired The Omniversal Earkestra to delve into the diverse musical tradition of 1970’s Mali. This was the start of a two year musical journey that would eventually culminate in a six week tour of the country in 2019. It was a pilgrimage to the source that allowed them the opportunity to meet and record with the now legendary musicians who had created the music that originally inspired them. This studio album encapsulates this unique collaboration. In conjunction with a feature length documentary film, directed by Markus Schmidt it pays homage to 1970’s Mali – a period that contributed greatly to West Africa’s rich musical heritage.