Oumou Sangaré is a renowned Malian singer known for her wassalou music style, which blends folk traditions with a contemporary sound. Sangaré's career highlights include winning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album for her 2009 release Seya and collaborating with iconic musicians like Tony Allen. Born in Bamako, Mali, Sangaré's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by her mother's profession as a traditional singer. She gained international acclaim with her debut album Moussolou in 1990 and continued to address feminist themes in her music, advocating for women's rights in Africa.

Despite her success, Sangaré remained connected to her roots and continued to innovate within the wassalou genre. She ventured into business, running a hotel and farm while investing in activism and providing jobs for Malians. After a hiatus, she returned to the music scene with albums like Seya and Mogoya, showcasing her unique blend of African traditions with contemporary influences. Sangaré's latest release, Timbuktu, marks her return to the World Circuit label, further solidifying her status as a trailblazing artist and advocate for women's empowerment in Africa.