Paul R. Chandler
Producer/Director

Bamako-based Director and Producer Paul R. Chandler has been documenting the sonic and cultural complexities of Malian traditional music for more than a decade, uniquely positioning him and his team to capture some of the most ancient and diverse musical traditions in Africa. He is the founder of the NGO i4Africa and Studio Mali recording studio.​

Brian David Melnyk
Co-Director/Director of Photography/ Editor

Brian David Melnyk has over 30 years experience as a photographer and musician, and has spent the last decade living in Africa as a filmmaker and sound engineer. He holds an honours degree in Fine Arts and his Zenon Studios is currently based in Canada.

Afel Bocoum
Musician/Narrator

Afel Bocoum is a Malian musician who began his career as a member of Ali Farka Touré's group. Afel went on to find success with his own group, Alkibar. In 2002 Bocoum collaborated with Blur singer Damon Albarn on the successful Mali Music album, and the two have played together in concerts in London and Denmark.

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Toumani Diabaté
Musician/Griot

Toumani Diabaté is a Grammy Award winning Malian musician. He has won world-wide acclaim with his mastery of the kora and is one of the most prestigious of Mali's griots. His latest album is a collaboration with his equally gifted son, Sidiki Diabaté, released on the World Circuit label under the title Toumani and Sidiki.

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Amsatou Diallo
Production Coordinator/Photographer

Amsatou Diallo is a Malian photographer born in Bamako, and is currently working with the Aga Khan Foundation.


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Kouassi Konan
Sound Recordist

Konan has been working as a sound technician/engineer for 30 years, working in studios in Abidjan, Johannesburg and Bamako. He has worked as a recording engineer for many of Africa’s top artists and albums, including Tiken Jah Fakoly’s album l’ Africain. 

Aziz
​Sound Assistant/Tech Administrator

Aziz is the chief administrator for i4Africa's technical team and runs the monitor mix for the concerts. Aziz has worked sound for The Festival in the Desert, The Festival Sur le Niger, Toumani Diabaté, Salif Keita and Alpha Blondie.

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Adama Keita
Light Technician

Adama has worked extensviely on musical projects in Northern Mali, Niger and Mauritania. He has worked backline, lighting and electrical for Tiken Jah Fakoly, The Festival in the Desert, The Festival Sur le Niger, Toumani Diabaté, Salif Keita and Alpha Blondie.​

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