They Will Have to Kill Us First 2015

In 2012, jihadists took control of northern Mali. They imposed one of the strictest interpretations of sharia law in history. On August 12th they banned music - radio stations destroyed, instruments burned and musicians facing torture, even death. Overnight, Mali’s most revered members of society – the musicians – were forced into hiding or exile. This film follows Mali’s musicians as they fight to keep music alive in their country. We witness fierce battles between the army and the jihadists, capture life over borders at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce, follow perilous journeys home to war ravaged cities, and for one band, Songhoy Blues, their path to international stardom.

Cast:

Aliou Touré
Himself - lead singer, Songhoy Blues 

Oumar Touré
Himself, guitar, Songhoy Blues 

Garba Touré
Himself, guitar, Songhoy Blues 

Nathanael Dembélé
Himself, drummer, Songhoy Blues 

Khaira Arby
Herself, singer