UMSL Music and Afriky Lolo are beyond excited to bring this story to the Touhill stage for two nights!

Passed down for centuries through the voices of griots, musicians, and historians, the story of Sundiata Keita traces the extraordinary rise of the founder of the Mali Empire. Born under prophecy, Sundiata begins life unable to walk, facing doubt, hardship, and eventual exile alongside his mother.

Through resilience, spiritual grounding, and destiny, he transforms adversity into strength. As the sorcerer-king Sumanguru Kanté threatens the region, Sundiata returns to unite the neighboring kingdoms into a powerful force. His victory at the Battle of Kirina marks the defeat of tyranny and the beginning of one of the greatest empires in African history.

His story, preserved through generations, continues to inspire as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and cultural pride.

Afriky Lolo’s production brings this epic to life through a dynamic fusion of traditional West African dance, live drumming, and theatrical storytelling. Drawing from both historical accounts and mythic elements, the performance reflects the spirit of the griot tradition, where history and imagination intertwine to preserve cultural truth. Sundiata: The King of Mali invites audiences into a world of prophecy, perseverance, and triumph.

This milestone production is both a celebration of Afriky Lolo’s 20-year legacy and a tribute to the enduring power of African storytelling.

Join us Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th at the Touhill Performing Arts Center for this unforgettable experience!