The traditional arts are still very much alive in Mali. On the radio (the main means of transmitting information) you will hear music in the traditional style. The kora and balaphone are two popular instruments. Singers and instrumentalists (many of whom are griots tell of Mali's history or reveal some other important message. Very rarely will you hear music that is Western (US or Europe) in origin. Music is passed down or learned through listening. Songs often convey morals, messages or stories.

Most women and some men still dress in boubous and other traditional clothing. Tailors (typically men) transform the colorful patterned meters of cloth into striking loose-fitting clothing.

Maskmaking, sculpting, and textile decoration is still done the way it was in past generations. Each ethnic group (such as the Bambara, Dogon, and Tuareg) each have their own preference for art materials, style, and techniques.

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