Les Basketteuses de Bamako: A Unique Blend of Music, Dance, and Basketball

About the Performance

‘Les Basketteuses de Bamako’, a group of six Malian artists and basketball players took to the stage in Lomé, the capital of Togo. Their daring and creative show combines juggling of the ball, drumming, music and dance.

“This project is based on rhythm and sound. We play with balls, sneakers, drums, and sticks. There’s a lot of equipment and dancing. It’s not basketball, but it’s basketball mixed with music,” said Kadiatou Togola, a member of Les Basketteuses de Bamako, underlining the importance of this artistic fusion.

Artistic Direction

Under the direction of Thomas Guérineau, a former juggler with a passion for the intersections between movement, rhythm and music, these Malian artists use the ball as the central instrument of their artistic expression.

“This is work I created with Malian artists, women basketballers from Bamako. I started working with them in November 2021. So it’s been over two years,” explained Guérineau.

“What’s surprising is that when you hit a basketball, it’s actually a three-beat sound, a syncopated three-beat,” he added.

The Unique Sound

A syncopated three-beat is a musical rhythm in three beats, creating a sensation of displacement or surprise. Syncopation consists shifting the usual accentuation, giving the piece a particular rhythmic dynamic, often used in music to add complexity and movement.

“I found it very innovative, because it’s not common. I found it very interesting”, wondered spectator Makafui Zandji.

The Performance

The Basketteuses’ performances are not limited to juggling. They also sing and dance, creating a veritable visual and audio symphony, an enriching cultural fusion.

“This is the first time we have played this show in Africa. The performers, who are all Malian and therefore African, had high expectations. It’s been great, because we’ve had a really warm welcome,” said Guérineau.

Masterclass and Legacy

Prior to their show in Lomé, the Basketteuses shared their knowledge at a masterclass with young Togolese students. This initiative enabled participants to discover and explore this innovative art form, opening up new perspectives and inspirations for future generations.

The “Basketteuses de Bamako” not only made their mark in Lomé with their exceptional stage performance, they also sowed the seeds of a new passion for art and creativity among Togolese youth.

Conclusion

The Basketteuses de Bamako’s performance was a true celebration of creativity and cultural fusion. Their unique blend of music, dance, and basketball left a lasting impression on the audience and will surely inspire future generations.

FAQs

Q: What is the main focus of the Basketteuses de Bamako’s performance?
A: The main focus is the intersection of rhythm, sound, and movement, creating a unique blend of music, dance, and basketball.

Q: How did the performers develop this innovative art form?
A: Under the direction of Thomas Guérineau, the performers developed this art form by experimenting with different sounds, rhythms, and movements.

Q: What was the reaction of the audience to the performance?
A: The audience was surprised and fascinated by the unique sound and performance, with many expressing their admiration for the creative fusion.