Oumou Sangaré (Bambara: Umu Sangare; born 25 February 1968) is a Malian Wassoulou singer of Fulani (Fula) descent. She is often referred to as "The Songbird of Wassoulou". Wassoulou is a historical region south of the Niger River, where the music descends from age-old traditional song, often accompanied by a calabash.
Sangaré was born in 1968 to singer Aminata Diakité and Sidiki Sangaré, both of whom originated from the Wassoulou region. In 1970, her father took a second wife and moved to Abidjan, leaving Sangaré, her mother and her siblings behind in Bamako. She began singing in the streets to help her mother, leaving school at an early age to do so.
(read more on Wikipedia)
Links to Peel[]
Peel played a track from the singer on his show in 1991, but never played further material beyond that. His friend and colleague, Andy Kershaw, was a fan of her music and had her do several sessions for his shows.
Shows Played[]
- 30 March 1991: Diya Gneba (album - Moussolou) World Circuit