Mdou Moctar has launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign for himself and his bandmates in order to remain in the US after a coup happened in his native Niger.
The musician and his two touring bandmates were visiting North America to play live shows when the military coup happened, and have now learned that they will not be able to return home. They hope to raise money for emergency housing and living expenses, as well as other essentials while they remain in the US. Support the GoFundMe campaign, and read Mdou Moctar’s statement about why the expenses are needed, here.
The coup took place on July 26, and saw a collective of right-wing soldiers come together to seize power and overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum. The country’s borders and banks have subsequently closed and many non-Nigerians are now trying to flee the country amid a civil war breaking out.
