In Conversation--Malian Diva Mamani Keita
Women Stand Up; Women Speak Up Women musicians from the West African country, Mali grabbed my attention in 2001 and I’m still enthralled by their personal power and musical talent. In 2002, I received Tama’s recording Espace in the mail featuring the vocals of Mamani Keita sung over warm acoustic guitar, the Malian banjo, ngoni and percussion and I haven’t forgotten Keita’s vocals over the years. With her solo album, Kanou (World Village), Mamani Keita sings in a traditional voice about contemporary social issues, but mostly she sends an invitation out to women of the world to stand up against violence towards women and children as well as, keeping our world leaders on the same page as the people who voted for them. Keita uses her powerful voice and musical gifts to bring transformation to the world acting as a messenger for all of us. Please note that this interview has been through three translations and lyrics weren’t included with the CD. ...