Music, identity and national cohesion in Mali: The role of music in the post-colonial era

Authors

  • Samantha Potter University of St Andrews

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15664/jtr.1489

Keywords:

Music, Constructivism, Fundamentalism, Islam, Mali, Cohesion

Abstract

This article analyses the function music has played in the construction of identities in Mali, arguing that these constructions have directly impacted the process of national cohesion since independence in 1960. The link between this idea and the implications of the 2012 crisis - involving the prohibition of music under Shari'a law - will then be explored. The absence of music, a crucial mechanism for social cohesion, contributed to the complete breakdown of social relations and brought into question the concept of a "Malian" identity. Therefore, amidst ongoing Islamist activity, music’s ability to reconstruct national cohesion has been impaired.

Author Biography

Samantha Potter, University of St Andrews

Samantha Potter graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2017 with a 1st class degree in International Relations. In her final year, she focused her studies on the relationship between music and politics, particularly the impact of music on social change. She is now looking to start a career in the music industry with a particular interest in world music.

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Published

2019-06-20

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2020): Contemporary Voices

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2019 The Author(s)

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