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Rokia Traoré

Rokia Traoré is a renowned Malian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, whose work distinctively melds the rich musical traditions of her homeland with a variety of international influences. Born in 1974 in Mali, Traoré was exposed to diverse cultures and musical genres from an early age, due to her father's diplomatic career that had the family traveling extensively across the world. This exposure not only helped to shape her unique sound but also allowed her to become a multilingual artist, expressing herself in Bambara, French, and English.

Traoré's music is deeply rooted in her Malian heritage, yet she is unafraid to push boundaries and experiment with sound. Her catalog is a testament to both her respect for traditional African music and her innovative spirit. Her debut album, "Mouneïssa" (1998), introduced her soulful blend of African rhythms with western styles to the global music scene. Over the years, she has released critically acclaimed albums such as "Bowmboi" (2003), which featured the Kronos Quartet, and "Tchamantché" (2008), where she began incorporating blues and rock, using her signature Gretsch guitar. Her 2013 release, "Beautiful Africa", was lauded for its vibrant energy and modern production, while "Né So" (2016), which translates to 'home', addresses humanitarian themes against the backdrop of personal and sociopolitical strife. Rokia Traoré continues to be a powerful voice in contemporary world music, using her platform to champion cultural understanding and address social issues.

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