Kandia Kouyaté

Although she's only released four solo albums in more than two decades, Kandia Kouyate has been hailed as one of Mali's best female vocalists. According to the New York Times, "(Kouyate) has the charisma and vocal power of the most commanding American soul singers, even though the traditional West African music she performs is only tangentially related to modern soul." Kouyate was born to sing. Her father was a balafon player, while her mother was a vocalist from Birgo who's musical roots reflected a blend of the fula and bambara styles. As a youngster, Kouyate spent her sch...