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Studio Yakaar

Community Studio for aspiring artists in Malika, Senegal

This #GivingTuesday, help us launch our new music studio in Malika



The Call to Action


To sunu mbokk, our family.
To all our brothers and sisters from around the world who have and will become a part of the Malika family.
To those who have experienced the beauty of Senegalese culture and want others to experience it as well.
To lovers of culture, color, and sound.
To those who believe in the change music can make.
To musicians who crave the stories behind the notes:

This is for the people of Malika, bursting with talent and aching for a microphone.
This is for Abdoulaye Diop and his dream.



The Story 


Ten years ago, Abdoulaye Diop began his apprenticeship with Aywa International in Malika, Senegal. Today, he is the manager of the workshop, producing hundreds of products per year with his team of students. Ebony jewelry, djembes, clocks, home decor, balaphones, and West African koras are just of the few crafts that are being enjoyed by people in many corners of the world.  


His passion from the very beginning has remained the same: music. Every year, through the bridges created by Aywa International, hundreds of travelers get a chance to experience the music and magic of this community. Many of you know Abdoulaye, his humble and gentle manner, his endless list of talents, and his ability to create musical brilliance with any instrument placed in his hands. Those of you who have had a taste of the music so entwined with Senegalese culture first-hand, help the people of Malika share it with the world. 


Several years ago, when asked what changes he envisioned for his life, family, and community, Laye spoke of his dream to open a music studio for the town of Malika. With your help, we want to make that dream a reality.  



The Studio


Thanks to many of our supporters, we raised over $20,000 dollars (see our promotional video below), and the building of the studio is complete. We are now focused on the need for the best possible recording and mixing equipment. Your donation will assure that musicians in Malika, and across Senegal, will have access to to a recording studio and equipment on par with what we enjoy access to in North America and Europe.