Afel Bocoum

The Profile

Afel Bocoum is a Malian singer-guitarist and key figure in desert blues. A longtime collaborator of Ali Farka Touré, he leads the group Alkibar and blends Sahelian traditions with blues influences. He also appears on Damon Albarn’s Mali Music.

Malian singer-guitarist active since the 1970s; associated with desert blues and world music; longtime collaborator of Ali Farka Touré; leads Alkibar; featured on Damon Albarn’s Mali Music; albums include Alkibar, Niger, Tabital Pulaaku, and Lindé.

One DeBaser review hails Damon Albarn’s Mali Music—made with Malian musicians led by Toumani Diabaté and Afel Bocoum—as an “extraordinary masterpiece.” It spotlights Sunset Coming On, introduced by Bocoum’s Deza violin and Albarn’s melodica. The album’s blend of African rhythms and Western sounds is praised as a humane, jewel-like work. The reviewer links it to Blur’s Think Tank. Rating: 5/5.