“Oumar Konta is from Timbuktu and was early recognized for his beautiful voice. When Oumar decided he wanted to study music, his father shut him out from home. However, this did not stop Oumar and the kind officials at school let him sleep there, in school, among the instruments. After four years as a backing vocalist for Salif Keïta, Oumar formed his group Malikan (voices of Mali). They play music from all parts of Mali and have recorded two albums: Manikourou in 2010 and Dakan in 2012. A few years ago Oumar opened Espace Beyray (learning), a cultural meeting-place for all arts and a club for young artists to perform in.”