Oumou Sangaré

Malian singer · Mali · On the map · Musicians · Born 1968 · age 58

Oumou Sangaré is a Malian Wassoulou singer of Fulani descent. She is often referred to as "The Songbird of Wassoulou". Wassoulou is a historical region south of the Niger River, where the music descends from age-old traditional song, often accompanied by a calabash.

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Oumou Sangaré is read about 226 times a day, in 25 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 13 November 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 127 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

2024Rolf Schock PrizesAward2018OkayAfrica 100 WomenAward2015Commander of the National Order of MaliAward2009“I tried to be myself and stay close to womanhood. There were plenty of critics, but it was all very minor compared to the success”In their wordsJanuary 2009OUMOU SANGARE - Tougher than tough,January 2009,Andy MorganRead the whole statement

“I begin with myself. I try to show a good example.”In their wordsJanuary 2009OUMOU SANGARE - Tougher than tough,January 2009,by Andy MorganRead the whole statement

1998Commandeur des Arts et des LettresAward1997“I sing about the injustices in society, what’s unfair or does harm.”In their wordsOumou Sangaré, BOMB Magazine, 1997.Read the whole statement

“To get married you have to save a huge amount of money, and if you never get enough, you become afraid of going your whole life without ever getting married.”In their wordsOumou Sangaré, BOMB Magazine, 1997.Read the whole statement

“What the artist says and does, that’s what people pay attention to. People respect an artist who serves as an example. My role as an artist is to educate women about their rights.”In their wordsOumou Sangaré, BOMB Magazine, 1997.Read the whole statement

1968Born12 February 1968

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In their own words 5

Oumou Sangaré

5 statements, newest first

The school of life was my education - the only one I could have. I learnt on the move
, Own words
One day, when my mother came back from a trip,” Oumou recalled, “she saw that I had managed to clothe all her children in brand new clothes
, Own words
But mum, I sing now. I earn plenty of money in the streets
, Own words