Mali is known throughout the world for the dynamism of its culture and the wealth of its musical patrimony. Stars of international renown such as Salif Keita, Ali Farka Touré (right), Oumou Sangaré (below), Habib Koita, and others have made Mali a flourishing seedbed for music. Over two thousand Malian musicians have recorded at least one album, thus providing radio stations and the national television station with abundant material for locally produced programs. The Malian government itself sponsors several modern bands as well.

Modern music is played with Western instruments such as the guitar, the piano, and the accordion, which made their way to Mali during the colonial era. In the colonial African army, soldiers formed musical groups called "Gobbies." After their demobilization, the conscripts--inspired by the music--returned home with old guitars and accordions and formed their own bands. All the cities in Mali with military barracks had one or two bands.