Bafoulabé, impossible to access without crossing this mysterious river, which according to legend is the meeting point of two rivers of different colors which flow side by side and never mix. However, this Malian region is just as shrouded in other mysteries such as the fabulous story of Mali Sadio, a young hippopotamus with white legs and a white bevel. Like most stories in Africa, Mali Sadio’s is also oral, which has several versions.
Mali Sadio remained engraved in collective memories because of the complicity he had with the residents.
Told by storytellers, sung by griots since his death, which according to several versions occurred following a stray bullet received in 1893. And since then, women and children have not missed any opportunity to pay tribute through tales and songs dedicated to Mali Sadio during traditional festive activities.
The fabulous legend of Mali Sadio doesn’t affect only the town of Bafoulabé in Mali, it is also an integral part of the cultural heritage of several West African countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau where it is told in different ways.
Report: Boubacar BAGAYOKO
Voiceover and Transcription: Moussa Ali CISSE
