[:en]Mamou is a djelimousso or griot from the Wassoulou region of south-east Mali. For about 30 years now the region has been a musical hotbed for experimentation, where Manding and Peul traditions are fused with western instruments. Mamou started singing to encourage workers in the fields, before heading to the big city, Bamako, where she sang as a back-up singer for Malian star Oumou Sangaré.  Mamou eventually left Oumou to develop her own style. Today, she’s considered one of Mali’s song divas.

Her song Bakoye is sung in her native sonrai, a language spoken mainly around the Niger river in Mali, Niger and Benin. Bakoye tells the story of an established shepherd, who despite his large herd and abundant pastures is seeking adventure.

Mamou Sidibe? - Akwaaba Wo Africa

[:fr]Mamou est une djelimousso ou griotte de la région de Wassoulou au sud-est du Mali. Depuis 30 ans maintenant la région a été le terreau fertile d’expérimentations, le lieu où les traditions peules et mandingues sont mêlées aux instruments occidentaux. Mamou a commencé le chant pour encourager les travailleurs dans les champs, avant de se rendre dans la capitale, Bamako, où elle officia comme chanteuse back-up pour la star malienne Oumou Sangaré. Mamou finit par quitter Oumou pour développer son propre style. Elle est aujourd’hui considérée comme une des divas de la musique malienne.

Son titre Bakoye est chanté dans son sonrai natif, un langage parlé surtout autour du fleuve Niger au Mali, Niger et Bénin. Bakoye narre l’histoire d’un berger, qui malgré son large troupeau et ses abondants pâturages désire l’aventure.

Mamou Sidibe? - Akwaaba Wo Africa

[:de]Mamou is a djelimousso or griot from the Wassoulou region of south-east Mali. For about 30 years now the region has been a musical hotbed for experimentation, where Manding and Peul traditions are fused with western instruments. Mamou started singing to encourage workers in the fields, before heading to the big city, Bamako, where she sang as a back-up singer for Malian star Oumou Sangaré.  Mamou eventually left Oumou to develop her own style. Today, she’s considered one of Mali’s song divas.

Her song Bakoye is sung in her native sonrai, a language spoken mainly around the Niger river in Mali, Niger and Benin. Bakoye tells the story of an established shepherd, who despite his large herd and abundant pastures is seeking adventure.

Mamou Sidibe? - Akwaaba Wo Africa

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