In the world of Malian music, one artist shines brightly with her soulful voice and captivating melodies.
That legend is Oumou Sangaré. Born on 25 February 1968 in Bamako, Oumou Sangaré is a talented Grammy Award-winning musician from Mali.
Oumou Sangaré also known as “The Songbird of Wassoulou,” is known for her beautiful singing style as she draws inspiration from the rich musical traditions of the historical Wassoulou region.
Wassoulou is a special place in Mali, where people have been singing beautiful songs for a long time. Oumou has a magical voice that touches people’s hearts.
She is known for singing with a special instrument called a calabash. In this article, we focus on the life of Oumou Sangaré. Her achievement, early life, and other interesting bits about her.
Early life of Oumou Sangaré
Oumou Sangaré, a globally celebrated singer, was born in the vibrant city of Bamako, Mali. Her parents hailed from the Wassoulou region, nestled south of the Niger River.
Music coursed through her veins, inherited from her talented mother, Aminata Diakité, who nurtured Oumou’s musical aspirations.
At just six years old, Oumou made her debut performance, captivating a large audience at the Stade des Omnisports in Bamako.
Encouraged by her mother’s advice to sing with heartfelt authenticity, she delivered a memorable performance.
Recognizing her remarkable talent, Oumou was invited to join The National Ensemble of Mali, an esteemed group that cultivates the country’s finest musicians.
In 1986, she embarked on a European tour with the renowned percussion ensemble Djobila, led by Bamba Dambele, renowned for his work with the Super Djata Band.
This transformative experience ignited Oumou’s ambition to pursue an international career of her own.
Upon returning to Mali, Oumou wasted no time in assembling her own band, embarking on a creative journey that seamlessly melded the rich traditions of Wassoulou with a modern pop sensibility.
Her distinctive style and soulful compositions resonated deeply with audiences, earning her widespread acclaim.
In 1989, producer Ibrahima Sylla discovered Oumou’s talent at his legendary JBZ Studio in Abidjan.
He released her debut album titled “Djama Kaissoumou,” produced by Amadou Ba Guindo, leader of the National Badéma Du Mali.
The album’s single, “Diaraby Nene,” quickly became a domestic sensation, propelling sales of over a quarter million copies.
Its success caught the attention of Nick Gold’s World Circuit label, who reissued the album as “Moussolou” (meaning “Women”) in 1990.
This release sparked a musical revolution, captivating audiences not only in Africa but also across Europe and Asia.
Oumou Sangaré’s artistry continued to flourish as she ventured into new creative territories.
Her 1996 album “Worotan” featured a horn section arranged by the legendary funk musician Pee Wee Ellis, while her 2009 release “Seya” garnered her the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
In 2017, her album “Mogoya” showcased a collaboration with the iconic Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, and her latest offering, “Timbuktu,” released in 2022, continues to exemplify her eclectic and captivating musical style.
Beyond her musical prowess, Oumou Sangaré remains an influential figure, using her platform to champion women’s rights in Mali and throughout Africa.
Her songs carry messages of empowerment, social justice, and cultural pride, making her a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Becoming a Music Star
Despite her sudden rise to fame, Sangaré never forgot her roots in Bamako. After her initial success, she independently released the album “Bi Furu” before partnering with World Circuit for the international release of “Ko Sira” in 1993.
While staying true to the wassalou style, the album took on a more activist tone, addressing feminist issues such as polygamy and forced marriages that affected many West African women.
In 1995, Sangaré embarked on an international tour alongside Baaba Maal, Femi Kuti, and Boukman Eksperyans.
During this time, she also became a mother. Her next album, “Denw,” was released in 1996 on cassette by Mali K7 SA.
However, it was her 1997 release, “Worotan,” that truly introduced her to American audiences through World Circuit’s distribution deal with Nonesuch and WEA.
Sangaré’s career soared as she headlined concerts around the world, but being away from her young child became a challenge.
Eventually, she decided to step back from music, though she had made wise investments and diversified her business ventures.
She ran a hotel called Hotel Wassoulou in Bamako, which even had a performance space of its own. Additionally, Sangaré managed a farm and other businesses, providing employment opportunities for Malians.
Despite her success, she remained dedicated to activism, reinvesting her profits into causes she believed in.
In recognition of her contributions, Sangaré received the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters award in France in 1998.
While major compilations of her work were released, she limited her festival performances. Nevertheless, Sangaré’s passion for music never waned, and she continued to use her platform to address social issues, particularly women’s rights.
Sangaré’s first album, “Moussoulou,” recorded with Amadou Ba Guindo, became a huge success in Africa, selling over 200,000 copies.
With the support of Ali Farka Touré, she signed with World Circuit and saw a re-release of “Moussoulou.” At just 21 years old, Sangaré had already become a star.
Considered an ambassador of Wassoulou, Sangaré’s music draws inspiration from the region’s traditional music and dances.
She writes and composes her own songs, often incorporating social criticism, particularly addressing the low status of women in society.
Throughout her career, Sangaré has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Melbourne Opera, Roskilde Festival, Gnaoua World Music Festival, WOMAD, Oslo World Music Festival, and the Opéra de la Monnaie.
Many of her songs explore themes of love and marriage, emphasizing the importance of freedom of choice in relationships.
Sangaré’s commitment to women’s causes extends beyond her music. She was appointed as an ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2003, received the UNESCO Prize in 2001, and was honored as a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France in 1998.
Her talents also extend beyond music. Sangaré appeared prominently in the 2008 documentary “Throw Down Your Heart,” which explored the connections between the banjo and African musical traditions.
Additionally, she contributed vocals to the song “Imagine” on Herbie Hancock’s 2010 album “The Imagine Project,” which featured various artists.
In 2022, Sangaré took on her first acting role, portraying the grandmother of the titular character in Maïmouna Doucouré’s film “Hawa.”
Throughout her extraordinary journey, Oumou Sangaré continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, using her voice and platform to uplift marginalized communities and advocate for positive change.
When Oumou Sangaré takes the stage, she captivates audiences with her striking presence.
Standing tall at over six feet, adorned in colorful flowing robes and traditional African garments, she exudes a sense of power that matches her remarkable voice.
Yet, it is not just her appearance that makes her a sensation; it is the music and its message that have catapulted her to international fame.
Sangaré’s music resonates with people from all walks of life, transcending cultural boundaries.
In an interview with the Africa News Service, she expressed her belief that music should be inclusive, welcoming ideas and instruments from all corners of the world.
Her desire is for everyone to participate and be a part of the musical experience she creates.
For Western audiences, Sangaré’s music is appreciated for its infectious rhythms that inspire movement and dance.
However, for the African women whom she passionately champions, participation is a struggle they face every day.
Sangaré uses her platform to speak on behalf of these women, shedding light on the challenges they encounter and fighting for their rights.
Her press kit quotes her as saying, “I speak for the women of Africa and the entire world. I advocate for the improvement of women’s circumstances because women in Africa do not have the same rights as men.
When a woman wants to express herself in society, she often goes unheard. That is why I sing for her cause.”
Sangaré’s music serves as a powerful vehicle for social change, amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized and advocating for gender equality.
She brings attention to the plight of African women and strives to create a world where their voices are heard and their rights are respected.
Personal life
Sangaré is a strong advocate for women’s rights, standing against harmful practices like child marriage and polygamy, which she firmly opposes.
She is not only a remarkable musician but also a successful entrepreneur. She has ventured into various businesses, including hotels, agriculture, and even automobiles.
In fact, she launched her own car called the “Oum Sang,” which is manufactured by a Chinese company and marketed through her own company, Gonow Oum Sang.
One of Sangaré’s notable achievements is the ownership of Hotel Wassoulou, a 30-room establishment located in the heart of Bamako, Mali’s capital.
The hotel serves as a haven for fellow musicians and also provides a dedicated space for Sangaré to perform regularly.
With great determination, she actively participated in the construction of the hotel, using it as a means to inspire other women to improve their lives through hard work.
She believes that through cooperative efforts, women can engage in soap or clothing production and empower themselves.
In addition to her artistic and business pursuits, Sangaré has also served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
However, despite her influential role, she has no aspirations to enter politics. Sangaré cherishes the freedom of expression that being an artist grants her, allowing her to voice her thoughts and beliefs independently.
She values this autonomy and prefers not to be bound by political obligations, where one may be required to follow instructions from higher authorities.
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Sangaré’s multifaceted journey showcases her dedication to empowering women, not only through her music but also through her entrepreneurial endeavors.
She uses her influence to advocate for positive change and create opportunities for others. Oumou Sangaré continues to inspire and uplift women, making a profound impact in both the artistic and business spheres, while staying true to her principles and remaining a beacon of hope for women’s rights.
Conclusion
Beyond her music, Sangaré’s commitment to empowerment extends to her activism. She actively works to improve the lives of women, both in Mali and globally.
Her efforts have earned her recognition and accolades, solidifying her status as a visionary artist and an advocate for social justice.
In live performances, Sangaré mesmerizes audiences with her commanding presence and vocal prowess.
Yet, it is her unwavering dedication to uplifting the voices of women and fighting for their rights that truly defines her impact.
Oumou Sangaré is a beacon of inspiration, using her musical talent to create positive change and promote inclusivity on a global scale.
