The Sahel, a region of Africa little-known on the international music scene, is nevertheless full of talented artists and captivating sounds. This is what Christopher Kirkley, director of the American label Sahel Sounds, has made it his mission to reveal to the world. His love for Sahel music pushed him to undertake an exploratory trip to the region between 2007 and 2009, where he met local artists and discovered all the musical richness of the region.
Originally from Portland, Christopher Kirkley decides to leave his comfortable life to immerse himself in the musical world of the Sahel. Inspired by artists such as Vieux Farka Touré, he first settled in Mauritania, then crossed Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in search of new musical discoveries. Throughout his journey, he meets people, sleeps with locals and shares unique moments with local artists.
This transformative journey allows him to realize two essential things: the unique musical diversity of the region and the importance of music as a universal language. Despite the language barrier, music is a means of communication that transcends all borders.
Back in the United States, Kirkley decided to set up his own structure, the Sahel Sounds label, to promote artists from the Sahel. With a united and fair approach, it shares the profits with the musicians and allows them to retain ownership of their music.
Since its creation, Sahel Sounds has played a major role in highlighting the Sahel music scene. The label’s artists gained notoriety and were able to make a living from their music, thanks in particular to the release of albums and the organization of international tours.
Interest in Sahel music continues to grow, attracting more and more curious people and fans around the world. The captivating rhythms, catchy melodies and powerful voices of artists from the Sahel captivate an audience in search of new musical experiences.
Thus, thanks to enthusiasts like Christopher Kirkley and his label Sahel Sounds, music from the Sahel is experiencing growing visibility and offering new opportunities to artists from this little-known region. This human and musical experience is a true example of the importance of cultural diversity and music as a vector of understanding between peoples.