About
The Timbuktu project
What?
The Timbuktu project is a personally run blog dedicated to two things: great music and the West African country of Mali. The goal here isn’t to establish a connection between the two, but rather to showcase both individually. Each music entry will focus on a particular song by providing an audio sample and my thoughts about the track. Entries about Mali on the other hand, will be of an informational nature and focus on the country’s history, geography and culture through articles, video and photography.
Who?
“Ssidy” is what my friends call me. I was born in Senegal of Malian parents (hence my Mali nationality). I grew up all over the place…Mali, England, Ghana, South Africa before I went to college in Miami and finally got a job in Sydney where I’ve been living since August 2008. When I’m not working on The Timbuktu Project, or as a financial analyst (full-time), you can usually catch me somewhere on a football pitch or involved in anything music related. Music is everything to me. Whatever mood I’m in, there is always that song that usually captures it perfectly. Anyone who’s spent more than 10 minutes around me will probably attest to this: I listen to all types of stuff…..possibly because no single genre holds enough songs to quench that thirst of mine. Whenever hiphop isn’t doing it, a little bossa nova or electronica might get me my fix. Welcome to The Timbuktu Project, an on-going playlist with no particular agenda, purpose or order: just good music. All music will get equal opportunity and this is the place where Sinatra, Beethoven and Nas are just going to have to find a way to get along….
Why?
I’ve been flirting around with the idea of starting a blog for about a year now as an outlet for two of my biggest passions: Mali & Music. This is a way of sharing my taste in music and my relationship with some of my favorite songs. Being from a country that has such amazing history and cultural depth, I feel it is my duty to shed as much light on it as possible.
Contact ssidy@thetimbuktuproject.com
Important
- This is a discussion-centered music site from a fan’s perspective. I am not selling anything and I represent no-one. Ssidy appears courtesy of himself!
- Although I provide streaming audio samples of the songs being discussed, I encourage everyone to purchase music from the actual artists. I will provide links to sites where you can legally purchase the songs/albums. The songs on here are NOT downloadable.
- The focus of the discussions will be more about the songs, rather than the artists. Although each song being reviewed will have some sort of basic artist info.
- Free speech. We are nothing without it. Feel free to comment, raise issues or whatever else. Remember that anything you read in the review section is just my opinion. I invite everyone to share theirs.
- Know that I will only discuss songs I consider to be absolute “Gems”. If you feel the same, about any these tracks please find it and add it to your playlist. My initial goal is to reach 1000 songs.
- I encourage everyone to answer the quick survey question after each song.
Ssidy is what my friends call me. I was born in Senegal of Malian parents (hence my Mali nationality). I grew up all over the place…Bamako, London, Accra, Cape Town, before I went to college in Miami and finally got a job in Sydney where I’ve been living since August 2008.
When I’m not working on The Timbuktu Project, or as a financial analyst (full-time), you can usually catch me somewhere on a football pitch or involved in anything music related. Music is everything to me. Whatever mood I am in, there is always a song that captures the moment perfectly. Anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes around me will probably attest to this: I listen to all types of stuff.....possibly because no single genre holds enough songs to quench that musical thirst of mine... 