Based in Mali, Tiken Jah Fakoly has released a single, An Ka Wili ("mobilisation and galvanisation" in Bambara), to support the country against the jihadists linked to al-Qaeda who have occupied the north of the country for nine months.
"I released this single to support Mali in its time of trial, said Tiken Jah Fakoly. It's my way of saying that if we do nothing, the cities of Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal will never again be part of Mali."
"In the single I call for general mobilisation. Mali has known great men and great empires, and it is unthinkable to leave the country cut in two as it is today. The Malians must first rely on their own strength", he added.
The single An Ka Wili has been available since 31 December and is being distributed free of charge in Mali.