Singer Oumou Sangaré, the diva of Mali as she’s often referred to, has announced the release of a new album. Entitled Mogoya, which translates as ‘People Today’, Oumou’s upcoming record is also her first new material in eight years and it arrives on May 19th via Nø Førmat!. Mogoya sees Oumou collaborating with Fela Kuti drummer and Afrobeat founder Tony Allen, and enlisting Andreas Unge and French collective A.l.b.e.r.t for production duties. Whilst still rooted in the continuity of Malian tradition, Mogoya has a strong new sound as the press release described. “We wanted to emphasise the raw power of Oumou’s voice and songs”, explained co-producer Ludovic Bruni, of A.l.b.e.r.t.. “We wanted to find a new modernity”. On the album, traditional African instruments camel n’toni (harp), karignan (metal scraper) and calabash percussion are paired with electric guitar, bass, keyboards and synths. In Oumou’s own words, “this time round I wanted to go for more of a modern sound, to satisfy young people in Mali but being careful, all the while, to respect my culture and tradition”.
The long-awaited news also come with the first taste from the album, ‘Yere Faga’, a warm and glowing song about human relationships. Take a listen now.

In other related news, and in support of the album, Oumou Sangaré will be gracing London with a show in Scala on May 16th. Tickets are now on sale.