Malian singer Oumou Sangaré is set to headline the Womad Festival in southwest England this July, marking a highlight in a career that has spanned over three decades and multiple continents. At 58, Sangaré continues to balance her extensive musical activities with entrepreneurial ventures, underscoring her role as both an artist and advocate.
Known as the “songbird of Wassoulou,” a culturally distinct region in southern Mali near Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, Sangaré’s music often emphasizes themes of female empowerment and social justice. Born into a family of musicians, her mother Aminata Diakité raised her and her siblings alone after being deserted by her husband. Sangaré began singing at a very young age, performing in local competitions and on the streets to support her family. By her late teens, she was touring with the troupe Djoliba and had released her debut cassette, *Moussoulou* (Women), which was noted for its bold feminist stance and innovative sound.
Her work gained wider recognition after Ali Farka Touré, a celebrated desert blues guitarist, became an early admirer and introduced her to World Circuit, the record label that helped bring her music to Western audiences. Since the 1990s, Sangaré has been closely associated with that label, becoming one of Africa’s most prominent voices on the international stage. Her influence has extended beyond music; her song “Diaraby Nene” was sampled by Beyoncé in 2019, underscoring her global reach.
Sangaré is a vocal observer of Mali’s sociopolitical landscape. She highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by her country following the 2012 Tuareg rebellion and the 2020 military takeover. Although she supports the current regime, which she says is working to improve daily life, she steers clear of formal politics, distinguishing herself from fellow Malian musician Salif Keita, who has taken on advisory roles in transitional governance.
Her lyrics frequently address societal problems such as envy, gossip, and gender inequality, often framing men’s misconduct in harsh terms while celebrating the dignity and resilience of women. Sangaré has described her music as a form of redress for the hardships her mother endured, aiming to improve women’s lives through awareness and cultural change.
Beyond music, Sangaré has developed a diverse business portfolio. Inspired by American artists who engage in ventures beyond entertainment, she launched Oum Sang, a line of affordable vehicles manufactured in China, and owns two hospitality enterprises: the Hotel Wassulu in Bamako and a camp in her home village. These enterprises reflect her philosophy that African women are capable of leadership and entrepreneurship across sectors.
In recent years, her musical explorations have expanded to collaborations with electronic producers and orchestras, including a 2023 appearance at the London Jazz Festival alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra. She is currently working on a new album, with recordings expected in the near future.
Sangaré’s upcoming headline performance at Womad, scheduled for July 26, is anticipated as a celebration of her enduring influence and evolving artistry on the world music stage.