They Will Have to Kill Us First

In 2012 jihadists took control of northern Mali They imposed one of the strictest interpretations of sharia law in history On August 12th they banned music radio stations destroyed instruments burned and musicians facing torture even death Overnight Malis most revered members of society the musicians were forced into hiding or exile This film follows Malis musicians as they fight to keep music alive in their country We witness fierce battles between the army and the jihadists capture life over borders at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce follow perilous journeys home to war ravaged cities and for one band Songhoy Blues their path to international stardom