About Moussa 'Bala' Camara
Moussa was born in Bamako, Mali, West Africa and is from the Mandinka, Khassonke & Fula ethnic groups. Moussa began playing drums when he was just 8 years old. He knew this was his calling in life even though this is not his family lineage. Moussa is a Djeli DununFola and DjembeFola, and also plays Tama (talking drum), drum set and guitar. At 12, he was invited to join Le Ballet Kantigiya. Moussa played traditional ceremonies and celebrations in Bamako, learning the cultural rhythms of the Bambara, Malinke, Khassonke, Fula, Bobo, Wassalou, Bozo and Dogon people.
Moussa studied with the prominent artists in Bamako including Mamadou Kante, Karim Coulibaly, Vieux Soir and Ibrahima Sarr. He played with La Troupe Babemba. At 17 years old, Moussa began teaching and touring in Europe with Ballet Kantigiya.
Moussa is currently living in Oakland, California and continues to perform and teach in CA, across the US & Mexico, and back home in Mali. Moussa is known for his clean sound, passionate artistry & fierce funky djeli-dun.
I ni ce kosso be, Bakola. I barka Allah, Alhamdulillah. Thank you so much, Bakola. I thank God for you. Praise God.
Mali, West Africa is an amazing place. Like much of West Africa, Bamako is an urban metropolis but is also grounded by deep cultural roots. This is evident in popular music: deep "bluesy" singing, funky drum rhythms and ethereal kora and ngoni are at the heart. These are some of the oldest stringed instruments historically and considered the roots of African American Blues music in the US.
Life is centered around family and community, and the land. Most of the land is hot and dry; the elements of mud and sand, heat and wind are present in daily life. Much of the most populated areas are entered around the River Djoliba (Niger), running about 1,000 miles within Mali. Ways of living developed hundreds, if not thousands of years ago, stand the test of time. Great social successes include The Manding Empire, covering most of West and North Africa, founded by Sundiata Keita in 1214 and well known for its 9th leader Mansa Musa - considered to be the richest man in the history of the world, and the scholarly center of Timbuktu. Mali has sat in crossroads extending to Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa for a very long time, creating a sophisticated social system as well as being targeted for resource exploitation.
Regardless of international political challenges, traditions are honored, preserved and prominent. Bogolanfini, mudcloth has been a staple clothing item of many ethnic groups in Mali. The cotton is locally grown, woven and made meaningful using the mud, plants and sun of the regions along the River Djoliba to create dyes and resists. Recent global interest in mudcloth is an opportunity to support Malians.
