Les Amazones d’Afrique feature on BBC’s The Cultural Frontline

Les Amazones d'Afrique

The Cultural Frontline celebrates the music and activism of the pioneering West African super-group Les Amazones d’Afrique— an all-female collective on a mission to fight for women’s rights in Africa.

Broadcaster and DJ Rita Ray hears from band members Angelique Kidjo, Oumou Sangaré, Awa Sangho, Mariam Doumbia and Mamani Keita, to find out how they use their music to change attitudes towards women and encourage access to education. Plus, producer Valerie Malot shares how she kick-started the group with Oumou Sangaré in Bamako, Mali.

This ground-breaking group embrace music as a campaigning tool to tackle taboos that affect women, such as forced marriages, domestic violence, and female genital mutilation.

Despite the challenges they face in West Africa, Rita discovers the strength of this courageous group, sound-tracked by a live set recorded by the BBC on Les Amazones’ latest tour.

Listen to the show

Featured Release

  • Les Amazones d'Afrique - République Amazone

    République Amazone

    Les Amazones d’Afrique

    Released 10 March 2017

    Les Amazones d'Afrique are an all-female collective of west African musicians campaigning for gender equality. They have been described as a supergroup, and the characterisation seems apt. Angélique Kidjo, Kandia Kouyaté, Mamani Keita, Mariam Doumbia, Mariam Koné, Massan Coulibaly, Mouneissa Tandina, Nneka, Pamela Badjogo and Rokia Koné hold a strong pedigree.

By Online Editor

Main image: Rokia Koné from Les Amazones d'Afrique at Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Photo credit: JMA Photography.

Published on Thu, 23 August 18

Further reading

Eliza Marshall releases New Birth EP on Real World X

Renowned flautist and composer Eliza Marshall releases her debut New Birth EP via Real World X.

Siraba

Donso-electro duo Siraba release new two-track single on Real World X

Siraba is a collaboration between donso ngoni player Boubacar Samake and producer Damien Vandesande.

‘I’m really moved by people’s response to it’ – John Metcalfe discusses the album Tree

John Metcalfe releases three new remixes of tracks from his album 'Tree' and brings a special perfor...

Track of the Day: ‘Niña De La Risa’ by Clara Serra López

Clara Serra López is a Spanish born vocalist, composer, songwriter and keys player based in London...