Performance 2 July 2017
The Malinese diva, Oumou Sangaré, returns to the Africa Festival in Hertme after 24 years. After years of silence she is back: West African diva Oumou Sangaré is celebrated for her bright voice, her fresh, sensual songs and her power.
On her 18th, she still sang on the street in Bamako, Mali, but three years later Oumou Sangaré celebrated her great international breakthrough with her energetic, danceable songs. The success of her 1990's debut album Moussoulou ("Women") was partly due to her lyrics, which were openly taboo-breaking.
In 1993 she was a 25-year-old young woman at the stage in Hertme.
Anno 2017, Oumou Sangaré is a diva and a role model for women in Africa. She dares to challenge controversial subjects such as polygamy and female circumcision, but she also denotes female sensuality. With her bright voice and her unique, fresh approach to traditional music from hunters from the Wassoulou area, she also enjoys enchanting a Western audience. Beginning 2017, her new album will appear on the French label Nø Førmat!
Oumou Sangaré, lead song
Guimba Kouyaté, guitar
Elise Blanchard, bass guitar
Kandy Guira, background song
Jon Grandcamp, drums
Abou Diarra, Camel n'goni
Emma Lamadji, background song
Alexandre Millet, Keyboards