The compelling documentary, They Will Have To Kill Us First: Malian Music in Exile, which can be seen on BBC Brit (DStv channel 120) at 8pm on Friday, November 11, tells the compelling story of when jihadists took control of Northern Mali in 2012. 

This film, which was selected for the London Film Festival, reveals how the extremists imposed one of the strictest interpretations of Sharia law in history after taking control of Northern Mali in 2012.

The documentary follows Mali’s musicians as they fight to keep music alive in their country, after it was banned on August 12, 2012. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments burned and Mali’s musicians faced torture, even death. Overnight, Mali’s most revered members of society – the musicians – were forced into hiding or exile where most remain even now.

The film shows the fierce battles between the army and the jihadists; captures life over borders at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce; follows perilous journeys home to war ravaged cities; and for one band, their path to international stardom.