Rokia Traore

Rokia Traoré studies in Brussels and performed in a rap band before deciding to go back to Mali to create the music she wanted, which was to be “not pop, not jazz, not classical but something contemporary with traditional instruments”, as she says.

Her album Bownboi was described by Time as ‘mesmerising… casting its spell with virtuoso vocals, rich textures and startling diversity.’ The Times proclaimed, ‘Traoré’s voice transforms everything it touches. Sometimes caressing, sometimes keening, it is as agile as some rare desert bird’.

Rokia is equally celebrated for her live shows which Time Out says are ‘arguably the most exciting, most thrilling live African music show around.’

“Arguably the most adventurous African artist around strikes gold with a huge musical leap into the guitar-driven bluesy territory usually reserved for Salif Keita. Terrific.” **** MOJO

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