Music dedicated to a cause is a rare phenomenon in African music. This collection of songs by Malian singers is particularly unusual because the cause it takes on is both sensitive and controversial. Excision, widely known as female genital mutilation (FMG), is not an easy subject to discuss publicly in a place like Mali. The fact that these highly respected artists were willing to sing about it probably reflects the fruit of many years of moral wrestling. While conservative forces in this and other African societies continue to argue that tradition, wisdom, and even Islam call for this brutal and dangerous procedure, physicians, lawmakers, and gradually even religious leaders have become more and more willing to criticize and bar excision. Here, singing in Bambara, Peul, Dogon, and Sarakole, men and women singers from this musical powerhouse combine forces to deliver a single message: Excision may be part of Mali's recent past, but it must not be part of its future.

Its brave subject matter aside, this is a fine compilation of Malian music, spanning griot pop by such luminaries as Ami Koita and Kandia Kouyate, pentatonic balafon maestro Neba Solo, and the deep voiced sage of Wassoulou music, Coumba Sidibe. There is also intriguing work by lesser known artists, such as a beautiful acoustic piece sung in Pulaar by Aly Baaba Cissé, and a hip, swaggering Bambara-folk-hip-hop track by Adama Namakoro Fomba. The National Instrumental Ensemble of Mali ends the collection on a classic note, reprising the pan-ethnic vision of Modiba Keita's Mali, with vocal and instrumental excellence, and a quaint but heartfelt celebration of the changing roles of women in the country.

Eight of the twelve songs address the question of excision directly, and the message is clear and strong. "Excision isn't an obligation… Let's not do it," sings Ami Koita in her famously blustering alto. "We didn't used to know, but now we do. Excision is bad," keens Neba Solo from within a village trance groove. Young reggae musicians, the Zotto Boys and the Skankin' Brothers weigh in with a ragamuffin vibe and a touch of attitude: "Leave the girl alone!" The lyrics are often blunt, but also high minded and serious. You sense that these singers don't come to the point of public advocacy easily. They understand the seriousness of breaking with the past, but in the face of suffering, disease, and danger, they assert that the path is clear. "We can't avoid lots of bad things," sings Kandia Kouyate in Bambara, "But we can avoid a lot of pain if we stop excising our daughters."

Ever since this collection of songs was recorded, it has been a challenge to get them on the radio and television in Mali. Powerful forces in the society are not in agreement with these singers. In that sense, this collection is not only a moving musical statement, but a historic document of social change in Africa.

If you have trouble finding this release, contact its American distributor, Susan McLucas at: SusanMcL1@yahoo.com.

Contributed by: Banning Eyre for www.afropop.org