Starting in 2008, the international female festival known as "Voices of Bamako" is an initiative of the artist Fantani Toure, president of the Association Kolomba. The main mission of this association created in 2001, is to promote African cultures and train women to challenge traditional crafts arts and crafts. Since the first edition, the festival is held annually in January at the Palais de la Culture Amadou Bah Hampaté.