Mali has an ancient musical culture which stretches back eight centuries to the legacy of the fabled Mande Empire - but it is only in the last few decades that it has emerged as the undisputed powerhouse of African music on the world stage.

Its proud classical tradition is brilliantly represented by the kora player Toumani Diabaté and Ali Farka Touré has led a school of virtuoso exponents of African blues guitar.

Vocalists such as Salif Keita and Oumou Sangaré have become international stars, while out of the sands of northern Mali has come the hypnotic and mysterious desert blues of Tinariwen and the legion of impressive Tuareg bands which have followed in their wake.