In Mali, the fourth edition of the “Mali du laughter” festival began on May 13, 2024 and continues until the 19th, in Bamako. Created in 2021 on the model of the prestigious Marrakech du Rire, of which it shares the joyful initials MDR – “death of laughter”, frequent on text messages and social networks – the festival features Malian comedians. Who, despite the serious limits to freedom of expression that the country is experiencing in this period of transition, strive to use laughter to promote peace.
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Every day until Friday morning, before the final evening shows of the weekend, the Mali du laughter is dedicated to training young talents.
Djely Moussa Kouyaté, whose stage name is “ATT Junior”, is the initiator and master of ceremonies of the festival. This year, he chose the theme: peace. “ I used this as a theme so that young people could produce sketches to raise awareness, give advicehe explains. For example, this morning, the young people were dealing with topics where peace begins in the family: between cousins, mom and dad, starting to love and forgive each other. Afterwards, this forgiveness comes to the streets and spreads throughout the country. All this while making people laugh, because as long as we laugh together, our hearts calm down. Humor can bring people together “.
Many Malian personalities are currently in exile or in prison, for having made overly critical comments about the transitional authorities or the army. Faced with this restriction of freedom of expression, comedians will therefore have to promote peace and avoid certain subjects, if they do not want to take risks.
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Around fifteen comedians from all over Mali are participating in this 4th edition of Mali of Laughter. Young hopefuls and already confirmed talents like Bamody, Garibou Fama or Le fou and Kassa.
The free shows will take place Friday and Saturday on the football fields of the Niamakoro and Kalabankoro districts. Sunday, closing evening at BlonBa: this prestigious cultural center in Bamako had to close its doors around ten days ago due to power cuts.
On Sunday, the festival will provide the necessary equipment for laughter and light.
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