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Bamako, MALI


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Djembe Hotel in Mali

My name is Jeremy Chevrier. I founded RootsyRecords.com, and currently live in Bamako, Mali.  We are not a "hotel" in the standard sense of the word.  We are a mixed African and American family who live in Bamako for the love of Malian culture and life.  We speak a mix of languages in our home - mostly we speak English, Bamana, French, Krio and Kissi.  You will be staying in our home with our family. 

My wife Tewah is an excellent cook (ask anyone who knows her).  If you stay with us, we provide delicious traditional African meals daily (with an occasional meal with a western influence).  We have wifi internet access throughout our home so please feel free to bring your laptop with wireless card.  We have showers, sink and a modern WC.  We are a friendly and down to earth family.  You can feel comfortable in our home and experience what it is like living with an African family in Bamako, Mali.

I also know many artists in Bamako and can provide dance classes, drum classes, English speaking guides, local business people, and many other things here in Mali.  I have been studying traditional djembe drumming for the past 15 years and can facilitate your cultural experience here in many ways.  I am personally available for review of drum class material in the evenings for jamming.

Our trips are geared towards the more independent traveler.  The Djembe Hotel is also geared towards djembe players who really want to dive deeply into their studies on a serious level.  It doesn't matter whether you are a beginner or advanced - you will learn alot here. 

We can also arrange village side trips upon request.  We try and give you freedom to arrange and customize your trip the way you like.  We are not like the standard package tour/ tourist style group trip.  You pay food/lodging etc. separate from your classes.  You pay your teacher directly for each class you take.  Our pricing is very straightforward and reasonable:

15.000 CFA Daily (about $35 US depending on exchange) - Includes:

  1. Wireless Hi-Speed Internet Access in home

  2. Simple accomodations for sleeping (Shared rooms with bunk beds)

  3. Coffee/Tea and Bread in morning (Sometimes eggs also :) and delicious traditional home cooked African Lunch and Dinner

  4. All contacts to artists and guides (English speakers available also) etc.

  5. A room outside to practice drumming or other music at any time (up to 10pm normally)

  6. You can have your classes with artists here in our home

  7. Showers, modern WC, etc.

  8. A great outdoor open air private shower so you can feel you are free :)

  9. Mystical Library for your reading pleasure

  10. Hookups to go to ceremonies here in Bamako - Marriage, Baptism, Soli etc...

  11. Good advice as to the customs and what to expect while in Africa.

5.000 CFA per person is the usual price for a two hour class of any kind. Except dance - dance class price must be arranged depending on number of students and drummers

  1. Class of your choice as many times per week as you like. 

  2. Classes can range from Djembe, JeliDunun, Ngoni, Kora, Balaphone, Bamana Language, French, etc.

  3. Classes can all be held in the convenience of our home

*** ALL PAYMENTS FOR LODGING IN THE DJEMBE HOTEL MUST BE MADE IN FCFA (NOT DOLLARS OR EUROS) WEEKLY EVERY FRIDAY.

*** SOME TEACHERS CHARGE UP TO 5.000 CFA PER HOUR CLASS.  THESE TEND TO BE TEACHERS WHO ARE VERY FAMOUS AND HAVE TRAVELED TO EUROPE/AMERICA MANY TIMES.

*** ALL TAXI/TRANSPORT FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN PRICING.  IF WE NEED TO TAKE A TAXI TO A CEREMONY FOR EXAMPLE THE FARE WILL BE COVERED BY YOU.  ALSO IF YOU WANT TO GO OUT IN EVENINGS TO CLUB/BAR ETC TO SEE LIVE MUSIC YOU WILL HAVE TO COVER COST OF TAXI.

*** ALL SIDE TRIPS TO VILLAGES ETC. ARE EXTRA COST.

*** IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON STUDYING IN MALI BUT ARE NOT GOING TO BE STAYING WITH US BUT AT THE SAME TIME YOU WOULD LIKE TO STOP BY THE DJEMBE HOTEL AND TAKE CLASSES OR WHATEVER - WE HAVE A WEEKLY "HANG" RATE.  JUST EMAIL FOR DETAILS.

If you are interested please email me at rootsyrecords@yahoo.com to make reservations. 

In addition, please let me know as far in advance as possible when you might be coming for planning purposes.  During months of Dec, Jan, Feb it can get quite busy here. 

We look forward to seeing you!

Thanks and best wishes,

Jeremy Chevrier
RootsyRecords.com
Zone Industrielle near the entrance of CMDT (cotton factory)
Bamako, Mali
E-mail: rootsyrecords@yahoo.com

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