The Islamist onslaught in Mali has led to big problems for the nation's world-famous Festival in the Desert, held annually by Tuareg nomads just outside the town of Timbuktu.
The event can no longer be held in Mali, and a new location has yet to be found.
The Today programme's Mike Thomson spoke to the Sacko/Kouyate family who are all musicians and have played with Bono from U2 in a previous edition of the festival.
Father Bassekou Kouyate said that if the festival does not take place this year it would be "a loss to the whole world not just to Mali" as it used to be a meeting point from people from all around the world.
Musical family: Sons Moustapha Kouyate and Madou Kouyate, mum Amy Sacko and father Bassekou Kouyate.
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