Who’s who?
These are some of the people already involved in the African Workshop both in Africa and the UK. See how you can be involved too.
Africa
Amadou Somaré
Musician, instrument maker, project leader
“I moved to Bamako in 1992 from a town up in the desert. I used to sing in the street and met other artists and sang with them. We did what we could for food.
“Eventually me, Salif and Moussa decided to set up a band – the Groupe Africa Son. That was in
2003. We set up the first workshop to help kids learn the different skills we had and to let them learn to play the music we all love.
“We are all musicians and artists and we wanted to help the children who live here, in our community. Life is extremely difficult in this country for everyone but particularly for children without any education or skills. We want to change that.”
Salif Samarké
Musician, story-teller, project leader.
“We created the association to help the children. The instruments we make, we can sell and with the money we can help the children further. Everyone knows different skills so the children are learning a lot.
“I have learnt music since I was a child, since I was little. I want to give the same thing to these children because without music life is not as good. And even if you have nothing to eat or no money you always have music, and friendship comes from playing together. It can really build a community and, in our culture, children are a key part of the community.”
Moussa Koné
Reading and writing tutor
“Salif encouraged me to come and teach these children, who don’t have anything, to improve their lives and the whole world.
“I learnt French at school and I would love these kids to go to school, but if that’s not possible then I will teach them. They study hard and are good students. It improves everyone’s life if you can read and write. It is difficult to go to school if you don’t have the means. That is why we do what we do.”
Moussa Togola
Singer, artists and football coach
“Music comes from the heart. I want to help people with music – to speak out against war, against crime, against domestic abuse. Music can take that message to the people.
“I know the trees and the dyes and the designs. I teach everything I know to the children. They enjoy it and teaching the children helps them in the future. It is not for money – I do it from the heart.
“At the same time as learning skills, these kids learn to be good people. I thank everyone who is living abroad and helping us, and everyone who comes to visit. Anyone, of any age or colour, can come here and help us and share their skills with us.”
UK
Ben Holt
Promoter, writer, project leader
“Art and music are an incredible way to engage people and to have fun. Sometimes they understandably get lost in larger development project. But it is important to let kids be kids, to enjoy themselves and to have space to play. It’s also vital to link artists and musicians across cultures – who knows what might happen!
“I have worked in development and the charity sector and I want to combine those skills with creativity and music. That’s what the African Workshop is about. You wouldn’t believe the amount of laughter and the number of smiles that place generates!”
Pete Coe
Musician, fundraiser
Pete Coe has been a professional folk musician since 1971, recording, broadcasting & playing at festivals, concerts, clubs, schools & dances throughout Britain, Europe, Bangladesh, New Zealand & USA.
He mainly sings traditional English songs though he has written a few original songs & accompanies them on melodeon, bouzouki, dulcimer, banjo & foot percussion. http://www.backshift.demon.co.uk
He is a founder member of Ryburn 3 Step, a community folk music project, based in West Yorkshire, which organises a folk club, barn dances, a longsword dance team, an annual folk play, step dance & singing
workshops & school presentations. http://www.ryburn3step.org.uk
Steve Holt OBE
Officer and strategic development
Steve is the Director of the Directorate of Change Management at the Department of Works and Pensions - the largest government department in the UK.
His outstanding contribution was recognised with an OBE in 2002. His experience dealing with large budgets and delivering complex projects in a demanding environment are crucial for the future success of the African Workshop.