In 2014 Songhoy Blues from Mali played at our festival Spot On Mali Music 1st edition at Maison des Jeunes. The band who plays a modern version of the Takamba music from their hometown Gao have now been nominated for the important Q Award in the category Best New Artist.

It is a very important award, and a recognition, that the band from Mali reaches out way beyond the usual category of World Music Artist and have broken into the main stream.

The band have had an incredible rise since they played at Maison des Jeunes. Heavily promoted by the superstar Damon Albarn, they have played at festivals and venues this poast year promoting their debut album.

Bow they are at the brink of one of the great prizes in the music business. We congratulate Songhoy Blues with the nomination and hold our fingers crossed.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/q-awards-2015-blur-and-noel-gallagher-renew-rivalry-as-african-refugee-band-songhoy-blues-breaks-10514177.html