The Desert Blues

In "The Desert Blues," veteran foreign correspondent Joshua Hammer explores the unlikely friendship between Manny Ansar, a politically connected intellectual, and Iyad Ag Ghali, a rebel leader, united by their love for Mali’s desert blues music. As they create the Festival in the Desert, attracting global stars like Bono and Robert Plant, their bond deteriorates amidst the rise of radical Islam and threats of violence. This captivating narrative delves into the rich cultural landscape of Mali and the profound shifts that challenge both their friendship and the festival’s legacy.