Reading through the most recent 'Songlines', I read of the death of Hama Sankare, the Calabash player for Ali Farka Toure for many years. Hama was killed in late March when his vehicle hit an improvised Explosive Device near his hometown of Niafunke in Mali. I'm sure it must have been Hama who played with Ali Farka Toure when I first saw them in Glasgow in the late 80s, a wonderful evening, during which I recall my pal and I being mesmerised by the wonderful combination of guitar and Calabash. His most recent album was a plea for peace, lamenting the violence inflicted on Mali, yet it was that violence which claimed his life. 
Here's Ali on 'Later' in '94 - I'm fairly sure that's Hama playing with him.
Here's Ali on 'Later' in '94 - I'm fairly sure that's Hama playing with him.