This Saturday, 20th September, the Timanfaya Hall in Puerto de la Cruz will host the farewell concert for the Orígenes y Latidos World Music Fest, featuring Masara Traoré, an artist hailing from Mali and Burkina Faso.
Her musical proposal blends Mandinga tradition with contemporary rhythms, conveying messages of hope, resilience, and social awareness. The festival is supported by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Masara Traoré’s Mission
Since its inception in 2011, Traoré’s project aims to disseminate the richness of Mandinga culture through songs that combine meaningful lyrics with a deeply danceable rhythmic foundation. “My songs convey life lessons, sharing our experiences both in Africa and Europe, all while connecting with the audience through traditional rhythms,” the artist explains.
A Fusion of Sounds
The performance features an instrumentation that showcases the musician’s cultural fusion: calabash, djembe, djeli ngoni, and kamele ngoni, ancestral instruments from West Africa, are combined with drums and electric guitar, creating a sound that bridges the ancient with the modern. “Our music is a bridge between Africa and Europe. We don’t want to erase borders; rather, we aim to initiate a dialogue between them,” asserts Traoré.
More Than Just a Concert
Traoré perceives the stage as a space for connection and transformation, rather than merely a musical showcase. “The best part is feeling the joy of the people when the music begins. I love making the audience happy. Additionally, my musicians exude a lot of dynamism; that allows us all to connect and have a fantastic time,” she states.
Addressing Pressing Issues
Her lyrics touch on daily life as well as the most urgent challenges facing her homeland. Through her songs, she warns about the dangers of migration via raft, denounces social injustices, and raises awareness about the exploitation of resources in Africa. Nevertheless, she consistently maintains a positive outlook: “I aim to offer hope, to express that what truly matters is believing in oneself and having faith that one can achieve their dreams.”
The concert, which is part of the Orígenes y Latidos World Music Fest, presents a unique opportunity to experience the power of a project that unites cultures and hearts through rhythm and word.
