Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Khaira Arby (September 21, 1959 – August 19, 2018) earned the nickname the Nightingale of Timbuktu for her emotive voice and fearless artistry. Born in Timbuktu, she rose to prominence as one of Mali’s first leading women to front a band and take the stage internationally. Her music blends desert blues with the traditional sounds of the Niger River region, enriching her performances with ngoni, electric guitar, and traditional percussion. A steadfast advocate for peace and women’s rights, Arby used her platform to inspire audiences around the world.