The contributions of the African continent to world music is unprecedented. With a plethora of musical genres, the continent has been remarked for it’s unique sounds and style.
The world’s most prestigious music award – the Grammys, founded in 1959 has remained in existent till date, awarding excellence in the domain of entertainment. Africa like any other continent has not been left out when it’s award o’clock. With 54 countries which make up the African continent, some countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Mali, Bénin, Cameroon and many others, have put in remarkable work, from generation to generation, to raise the bar. This explains why Africa has hardly been absent from any Grammy ceremony.
In an African context, when we talk about countries which have contributed musically and reputably, we talk of Countries like Mali. If we must talk about contribution and cultural impact, then we must involve Mali’s influence and impact which has spread from one generation to the other. Legendary artists like, Ali Fakar Toure from Mali, won not less than three of these prestigious awards. There are equally a few names that can be added. The only Female singer to have had the privilege to winn this award in this country is none other but Oumou Sangare.
Oumou Sangaré is a living icon. She became a music icon in her country at 21 when she set a record of selling 200,000 copies of her debut album. Her focus has always been on woman emancipation and the right to marriage. These are values that she have fought decade after decade for.
At age 53, the “Wassoulou” songbird is still waxing strong and a pillar in the agricultural sector as well. She’s loved all over the world and has performed in a series of luxurious international stages. She is signed to World Music and her discography speaks volumes. She’s got at least 11 albums to her name and has also acted in a series of movies.
When we talk about female African music icons like Angélique Kidjo of Benin with four Grammies, Miriam Zenzile Makeba of South Africa, the First South African woman to bag a Grammy, we equally talk about Sangaré. They may depart in due time, but they’ve done their home work and the new generation though with many resources still have very big shoes to fill. Sangaré is one of the most successful and inspirational success stories in Africa as far as entertainment and entrepreneurship is concerned.
