Mali: Mariam Bagayoko continues to impress on stage aged 88

At the age of 88, renowned singer Mariam Bagayoko still has the energy to perform traditional Malian songs with a strong stage presence. She says it’s a lifelong passion.

“From the time I was very small, I began singing in the way of my community. Even before I could speak properly, I would join the women’s evening gatherings around the pounding mortars and sing with them,” Bagayoko explains.

Bagayoko has spent her life championing…