Luckily for Africa Express, Oumou Sangaré has graced our stages twice, once at BBC Electric Proms at Koko in 2008 and at Paris’ Hotel De Ville in 2009. Now we’re delighted to hear that the Malian superstar is releasing her new album Mogoya (meaning “people today”) on Nø Format on May 19th 2017! Whilst last year saw the re-issue of her seminal debut album Moussolou, this is the first taste of new solo music from Oumou Sangaré since 2012.

You’ll hear a mix of traditional instruments including the kamele n’goni (harp), karignan (metal scraper) and calabash blend with electric guitar, keys, bass and synths on the album. “It was new for me because my music has never had this kind of arrangement and sound before. I’ve been totally in the tradition for years now so to get out of that and have a look around elsewhere was a total pleasure,” said Oumou in describing the creative process behind the album.

Oumou will also be performing at Scala in London with her own band on 16th May for the first time since 2011, a show not to be missed. Tickets are on sale here now.

Wrap your ears around the “colourfully invigorating” first track off the record ‘Yere Faga’ which features master drummer and long time Africa Express friend Tony Allen.

Stream it here:

Header photo by Susan Schulman.