The band’s story, set against a bloody and protracted civil war which banned music, is remarkable. In September 2013, a group of American and European musicians and producers led by Damon Albarn visited Bamako to record an album of collaborations and the band’s propulsive, gritty grooves instantly caught the attention of French music manager Marc-Antoine Moreau. They were invited to record a song with Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and their track Soubour ended up being a stand-out on the subsequent Africa Express album Maison des Jeunes, with Zinner co-producing their debut album Music In Exile.
Following memorable appearances at Glastonbury Festival, Latitude Festival, Roskilde Festival and Green Man Festival, Songhoy Blues’ support slot in 2015 was one of the highlights of Summer Series, so we can’t wait to see them return as headliners this year.
