Who do I hook up with in Mali?

[joe]

Hoping to go to Mali this summer. Wondering if anyone has info on who to hook up with there.

Anyone know anything about the djembe hotel or Mali Kan?

Who are some of the teachers to hook up with?

What about playing with other instruments like kora and guitar? Who might I contact about that?

Thanks a lot for any answers I get. Would be good to get the praises as well as the not-so-flattering comments. Just want to know what I'm getting myself into and who I am dealing with.

Jo

[michi]

Anyone know anything about the djembe hotel or Mali Kan?

I spent a month at the Djembe Hotel in January 2008. I'd be more than happy to go back there. Jeremy and Taewa are great hosts, you get really good food, and Jeremy will hook you up with local teachers, such as Matche Traore, Sega Cisse, and Drissa Kone. He can also organize teachers for other instruments, as well as language teachers if you want to learn French or Bamana.

Cheers,

Michi.

[dleufer]

Jeremy seems to be the man for contacts all right but 15,000 CFA (23 euro) a night for accomodation and food is fucking expensive!
If anyone's looking for accomodation I have a contact for a really nice place in a much nicer part of town where it's only 2,500 (4 euro) a night and it's very possible to find somewhere for 1,500. That's for a nice place with a fan, shower, "Western" toilet etc. I know Jeremy's price includes food but you can eat well for less than 1,000 CFA (1.5 euro) a day.
I guess if you can afford it it's very convenient to stay at the djembe hotel but if you're on a budget you can do it a lot cheaper in Bamako.
I've also got a ocntact for an amazing carver in Bamako if you're looking to buy drums. I got some gorgeous duns and djembes from them for very reasonable prices.