Oumou Sangaré was presented with the Keychange Inspiration Award by Keychange Ambassador, Mari Boine, at Oslo World 2021.

Oumou Sangaré is Malian singer and songwriter known for championing women’s rights through wassoulou, a style of music derived from vocal and instrumental traditions of rural southern Mali. Not only is Oumou an established vocalist and musician, het lyrics address subjects such as polygamy, arranged marriage, and the hardship of women in western African society, giving voice to the community.

Presenting the award to Oumou at the opening of Oslo World 2021, Keychange Ambassador, Mari Boine, says:

“Oumou Sangaré is an obvious choice for this award. She has had a remarkable career, lasting over thirty years, reaching audiences all over the world. She has been outspoken about womens issues in her music and social activism. She has been an ambassador for the World Food Program, and she has founded the Wassulu Festival. 

The Keychange program, which I am the Norwegian ambassador for, seeks to promote female representation in the music industry on and off stage. Oumou Sangaré is a role model in both respects - and a worthy recipient of the Keychange Inspiration Award this year. “

Awarded at: Oslo World 2021

Expertise: Singer, Musician, Social Activism

Link: Instagram, Spotify