Oumou Sangaré
»Timbuktu« – Around the World
Political diva
She has made it from abject poverty to become the grande dame of African music. She has been sampled by Beyoncé and sung with Alicia Keys. Based in her native Mali, Oumou Sangaré is one of the most important artistic and political voices on the African continent, dedicating her efforts to women’s rights in particular. Now she is coming to the Elbphilharmonie with a big band in tow, to present her latest album »Timbuktu«, a declaration of solidarity with Mali.
On her first record, »Moussoulou«, released in 1989, the now 55-year-old singer campaigned for women’s rights, singing out against poverty, forced marriage and polygamy with her mighty voice. All subject matter that relates directly to her own life: Her father walked out, leaving her mother penniless, when she was just two years old. Nowadays, the situation for many women in the West African country has improved, but poverty still exists. Something that was a contributing factor to the civil war between terrorist and rebel groups and the military in 2012, exacerbating the problem once again. Timbuktu was also captured by Islamists at that time, in a conflict that still reverberates to this day.
For Oumou Sangaré, the fight for the legendary desert city is symbolic of the people’s struggle for peace in Mali. She is also a successful entrepreneur in her home country, and committed to spreading this message with her music. She mixes the rhythms of traditional hunting music from the Wassoulou region with American blues. The result is a beguiling music with an unwavering political edge.
Performers
Oumou Sangaré vocals
Abou Diarra kamele ngoni
Julien Pestre guitar
Alexandre Millet keyboard
Edouard Coquard bass guitar
Mike Dibo drums
Emma Lamdji backing vocals
Kandy Guira backing vocals
Programme
»Timbuktu«
Subscription
Around the World