Cambridge Folk Festival - 2009 - Oumou Sangare

Oumou Sangare, the 'Songbird of Wassoulou', and her vibrant band of musicians and dancers delight the Cambridge Festival audience with their bold, seductive and funky take on traditional Malian music, resulting in a spectacular stage performance. Mali's great Wassoulou diva is a talent to be reckoned with. Sangare's songs have always caused a stir - her chosen rhythm is the resonating jittery sound of the kamalengoni (the hunter's harp) - and her songs focus on subjects not publicly expressed in Malian culture. Outspoken and fearless, her lyrics highlight the issues that women in Mali face, as she constantly strives to better the position of women at home and throughout the world. An icon and role model for modern African women, Sangare is both keen to encourage and embrace new ideas through her music whilst at the same time holding a deep respect for tradition and those who came before her. The result is a musical and visual spectacle which has brought her worldwide recognition and success.