Tata Pound is probably the name most associated with hip-hop and rap in Mali, and for good reason. Tata Pound has the historical, political and lifestyle credentials to compete with the biggest names worldwide.
"Tata," a word from Mali's colonial history, is the name given to a wall that protected the city of Sikasso (south of the Mali) against invaders, African and European. "Pound" refers to the British monetary unity.
These three rappers have several things in common. They are childhood friends, coming from the same neighborhood (Badalabougou in Bamako), the same passion for rap, and the same source of inspiration: the street. Their influences include Barrington Levy, Bob Marley, IAM, Tupac, Salif Keita and Public Enemy.
The group was created in 1995 following a rap competition. —Courtesy Calabash Music
