BAMAKO, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Boncana Maiga, a Malian musician known as a pioneer of Afro-Latin fusion, died on Saturday, his family and the west African country's authorities said. He was aged around 77.

"Sand news for the world of culture: the maestro Boncana Maiga has passed away today (Saturday) at 5:00 in the morning in a Bamako clinic," state broadcaster ORTM said on its Facebook page.

A member of Maiga's family confirmed the information to AFP, saying "unfortunately it's true -- our father has gone forever". They did not provide further details.

Born in Gao, northern Mali, in 1949, Maiga started his musical career in the 1960s.

Having kicked off his career at home in Mali, he then moved to Cuba, bringing signature Latin flute and saxophone sounds into his African-sourced repertoire.

After his Cuban stint, he went on to live in Ivory Coast, becoming a music professor and -- for 14 years -- the conductor and arranger for the orchestra of the country's RTI broadcaster.

Afterwards, he performed in the Africando band he co-founded.

He then returned to Mali in 2005, opening a video and music production firm, and co-hosted musical programmes on radio and television.

Mali's culture minister, Mamou Daffe, said in a statement to AFP that Maiga's death was "a loss not only for Mali but for African culture that he helped bring to the fore across continents".