Karim Bengaly Masterclass: Traditional Music of Mali in a Masterclass at Saint Louis in Rome

On September 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome will host a master class dedicated to traditional Malian music, led by musician Karim Bengaly, a visiting professor from the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers Multimédia Balla Fasséké Kouyaté in Balako, Mali. The event will take place at the Saint Louis location at Via del Boschetto 106 and offers an opportunity to explore an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation in southern Mali.

Discovering Traditional Malian Music

The masterclass traces the history of traditional songs from southern Mali, a repertoire that is passed down primarily through oral tradition, without relying on musical notation. We then work on the melodic and rhythmic accompaniments of instruments and songs, on how they combine with the voices, and also on some dance steps associated with the repertoire. The masterclass concludes with a group ensemble performance, intended as a public presentation of the work done.

Who is Karim Bengaly?

Born on December 31, 1977, in Gongasso, in the Sikasso region, Bengaly belongs to the Senoufo ethnic group. He spent part of his childhood in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, before returning to Mali, where he discovered the balafon by watching his family, who have been making and playing it for generations. That discovery prompted him to leave elementary school to devote himself to the instrument. He studied at the Institut National des Arts in Bamako, graduating in 2006, and continued his studies at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers Multimédia “Balla Fasseké Kouyaté, “ earning a second degree in 2011. He has been teaching music at the INA since 2007, and since 2019, he has been a faculty member at the Balla Fasseké Kouyaté Conservatory.

Private Percussion Lessons for Saint Louis Students

Interested Saint Louis students can also sign up for a free one-hour private percussion lesson with Karim Bengaly on September 28, 29, and 30, 2026. For information on available time slots and to book a private lesson, please email alessandro.peana@saintlouis.eu

Registration fees for Karim Bengaly’s Masterclass: Free for Saint Louis students; €15 non-students

Training credits for academic courses.: 0.5 CFA

The Masterclass is open by reservation To students, Saint Louis alumni and outsiders. To participate, fill out the form.