Help Mariam Stay!
Lead singer/dancer Mariam Diakité is an exceptional, multi-talented artist visiting California from Bamako, Mali for a limited amount of time. Mariam Diakite is the lead singer, dancer for Orchestra Gold, and a dance teacher. OG showcases a little-known corner of this large musical heritage: the big band era of Malian music, which was kicked off by independence from France in 1961.
Mariam has traveled extensively within her country and throughout West Africa representing the unique style of Malian dance and song. She managed to secure a highly coveted artist visa to work with Orchestra Gold and is part of only a handful of Malian artists in the area. Mariam Diakité and Orchestra Gold play a unique blend of old Malian folklore, and psychedelic analog rock.
To continue this work, Mariam's visa will need to be extended but it is a costly process. There are filing fees, legal fees, and federal fees as well as the time to make a case for her work and importance. We are asking for any financial help our community can offer so that we can put together a competitive application and Mariam has a chance to stay.
Mariam has traveled extensively within her country and throughout West Africa representing the unique style of Malian dance and song. She managed to secure a highly coveted artist visa to work with Orchestra Gold and is part of only a handful of Malian artists in the area. Mariam Diakité and Orchestra Gold play a unique blend of old Malian folklore, and psychedelic analog rock.
To continue this work, Mariam's visa will need to be extended but it is a costly process. There are filing fees, legal fees, and federal fees as well as the time to make a case for her work and importance. We are asking for any financial help our community can offer so that we can put together a competitive application and Mariam has a chance to stay.
