African Soul- World Music... Part 1

We will be writing about world music and the artistes we like...in upcoming blog posts. Also one of our many inspirations is- The Fulani tribe of Western Africa, and because we are in a creative mode right now we will be listening to African soul or Nomadic Soul as Baaba Maal of Senegal calls it. The colour and the rich texture of these musicians voices and culture will hopefully inspire us to build a collection that will reflect and explore the colourful/richness of the Fulani culture and dress sense in all its glory.

Music is universal and below Rokia Traoré proves this with her rich soulful voice.


Rokia Traoré 


Rokia Traoré (born January 24, 1974) is a Victoires de la Musique award-winning Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in Mali as a member of the Bambara ethnic group, her father was a diplomat and she travelled widely in her youth. She visited such countries as Algeria, Saudi Arabia, France and Belgium and was exposed to a wide variety of influences. Her hometown of Kolokaniis in the northwestern part of Mali's Koulikoro region. 


Unusually for a female musician in Africa, Rokia plays acoustic guitar as well as sings, and she uses vocal harmonies in her arrangements which are rare in Malian music. 
As well as guitar she plays ngoni (lute) and balafon.
Listen to her music below


Rokia Traoré WOMAD 2004 Adelaide, Australia