Afel Bocoum: The Return of the Messenger

For over three decades, legendary musician Afel Bocoum has been a guardian of Mali’s Niger River musical soul. A musical companion to Mali’s late great desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré, he launched a solo career with debut album in 1999, Alkibar (The Messenger), and gained international recognition through collaborations with Damon Albarn, including 2002’s Mali Music. Now, as one of the Sahel’s most beloved artists and ambassador for endangered instruments like the njurkel lute and njarka fiddle, Bocoum is set to release singles from his new album Harber in October 2025, accompanied by a 13-date UK tour in January 2026.

“Afel Bocoum’s consoling voice is a call for hope, unity, and togetherness. He offers us light and joy, distilling an energy that gives us goosebumps.”— Rolling Stone France on Lindé
 
“Afel is such a wonderful artist. I love everything he’s done.” – Damon Albarn

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Happy Hour – ‘Til 7pm every day.
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Enjoy £4 pints of Brooklyn Pilsner or Somersby cider, bottles of house wine for £14 and two of the same cocktails for £12! Perfect for after-work drinks in the Northern Quarter or pre-gig meet ups. Available every day from open – 7pm, please check listings for bar opening times.

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FOOD AND DRINK
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Our trusty bar team serves up an exciting selection of drinks, including: a variety of draught beers, handpicked range of wines, contemporary signature cocktails, as well as low and no alcohol options and soft drinks.

Discover our house cocktail menu here. Fancy something off menu? Our bar staff can also make a wide range of classic cocktails – Just ask!

Our kitchen serves up delicious handmade Roma-style pizzas and bar snacks. Check out the full menu. 

Kitchen closes at 9pm.

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Bar Opening Times 
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Monday–Tuesday: 17.00–00.00*

Wednesday–Thursday: 17.00–00.00

Friday: 17.00–late

Saturday: 12.00–late

Sunday: 17.00–00.00*

*Please note: The bar is only open if events are on these days.

More info: https://bandonthewall.org/food-drink/