Mali was probably the greatest country in the world for its ancient and contemporary musical culture, maybe even surpassing Ireland.

Now all that is largely gone. The Islamic radicals have stated that ALL music and song are to be banned on pain of death at worst (beheading) or having finger cut off at best. That is unless it consists of verses of the 'Quoran' chanted in a monodrone.

This religion of love and tolerance - so we are repeatedly told - has no truck for enjoyment of a unique musical culture that is so deeply embedded into the soul of the Mali nation and its people.

Whilst I personally no rapper fan at least some of the local rappers are sticking their collective necks out with anti-Islamic raps. But they are not likely to live long.

More here - if you can bare to read it:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/23/mali-militants-declare-war-music