Credits:

Oumou Sangare

Description:

*Moussolou* is the debut album by Oumou Sangare, one of Malis most renowned singers, recorded in 1989 and released in 1991. The title means women in the Bambara language and symbolizes the theme that runs throughout the album. In Mali, where a male-dominated society and polygamy remain deeply entrenched, she drew on her own experiences to sing candidly about love, marriage, independence, and womens rights; her courageous and groundbreaking message resonated deeply with audiences.Musically, the album was also groundbreaking. Centered around Benogo Diakites masterful performance on the kamalengoni (a youth harp), it fused the powerful rhythms characteristic of Wasuluthe traditional music of the Wasulu regionwith contemporary arrangements. While maintaining deep respect for tradition, the album produced a fresh sound and became a massive hit not only in Mali but throughout West Africa, catapultin