About Wassoulou music
Wassoulou music is a music genre that emerged in Samorian state. It is usually classed as a form of music of West Africa.
Among the best-known names in the style are Fatoumata Diawara and Oumou Sangaré.
From Wikipedia
Wassoulou (Bambara: Wasolo) is a genre of West African popular music named for the Wassoulou cultural area.
Wassoulou music is performed mostly by women. Some recurring themes in the lyrics are childbearing, fertility, and polygamy. Instrumentation includes soku (a traditional fiddle sometimes replaced with modern imported instruments), djembe drum, kamalen n'goni (a six-stringed harp), karinyan (metal tube percussion) and bolon (a four-stringed harp). The vocals are often passionate and emphatic, and delivered in a call-and-response pattern.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Wassoulou music.
Key artists
- Fatoumata Diawara
- Oumou Sangaré
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Frequently asked questions
What is Wassoulou music?
Wassoulou music is a music genre that emerged in Samorian state. It is usually classed as a form of music of West Africa.
Where and when did Wassoulou music originate?
Wassoulou music originated in Samorian state.
Who are famous Wassoulou music artists?
Fatoumata Diawara and Oumou Sangaré.