Oumou Sangaré

Hailed as “one of the great queens of Malian music” (Rolling Stone), charismatic Grammy and UNESCO Award-winning vocalist Oumou Sangaré’s music is defiantly uplifting, full of buoyant West African grooves, hypnotic melodicism, and her joyful, soulful voice. Over her acclaimed career, “The Songbird of Wassoulou” has worked with pioneering Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, sung on Herbie Hancock’s Imagine project, released 11 solo albums, and been cited as an inspiration by the likes of Alicia Keys, Aya Nakamura, and Beyoncé.

Women’s rights remain a key focus of her work, both in song and on the ground in her native Mali, where she campaigns fearlessly against an oppressive patriarchal system.

“Sangaré’s irresistible voice enhances her music’s power to disarm critics and make defenders of outmoded traditions think twice.” (NPR)

Oumou Sangaré, vocals & bandleader

Emma Lamadji, vocals

Mamounata Guira, vocals

Abou Diarra, n’goni

Julien Pestre, guitar

Alexandre Millet, keyboards

Elise Blanchard, bass

Bodjo Dibo, drums

Presented in association with Small World Music