photo credit: Dean Budnick

Today, Mdou Moctar and his bandmates launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to cover their living costs after political upheaval in their home country of Niger has prevented three native members, Mahamadou Souleymane [aka Mdou Moctar], Ahmoudou Madassane and Souleymane Ibrahim, from returning. As a result, they are currently stuck in the United States, as borders in and out of the country are closed. 

On the official GoFundMe page, organizers presented the situation: “At present, the band is stuck in the United States indefinitely. The costs associated with finding emergency housing and living expenses for the band while they are stuck here in the US are considerable as well as undefined, as there is no timeframe for when peace may return to the region. As the band’s touring activity regularly supports their families at home in Niger, this extended stay in the US will, unfortunately, divert that income away from their dependents.”

They also laid out the intent of their fundraising efforts: “This GoFundMe campaign is being set up to help provide them with what they will need to be able to safely spend time in the States while they wait and see when they will be able to return home to Niger to reunite with their loved ones. Any donations will be used directly to secure housing, food, healthcare, travel, and any other necessities in America that will be needed while they navigate this unexpected and unprecedented time.”

Recently, Mdou Moctar took part in a series of festival appearances in the U.S., including stage time at Chicago’s Pitchfork Festival and Newport Folk Festival. Most recently, they played during the Central Park SummerStage in New York City on July 29, 2023. At this time, the band has no new dates on their calendar. 

If you or someone you know would like to donate to Mdou Moctar, share or visit this link. 

Scroll down to view the band’s comments via Instagram.