Moussoulou

album by Sangaré

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July 20, 2026

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The album Moussoulou (meaning "Women") was released in 1990 by Malian singer Oumou Sangaré. It is a significant work within the wassoulou style of popular music, which originates from southern Mali and blends traditional vocal and instrumental elements with modern instrumentation.1

Sangaré's music, including Moussoulou, is known for addressing taboo subjects such as polygamy and arranged marriages, advocating for women's rights in West African society. The album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies locally before its international distribution. The wassoulou sound often features the kamele ngoni (a six-string harp), violin, scraper, electric guitar, and bass, complemented by a chorus of female singers.1

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Oumou Sangaré
…finally released her debut recording, Moussoulou (“Women”), and it received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response. Audiences were enchanted not only with her agile vocals but also with her lyrics, which critically addressed taboo topics such as polygamy, arranged marriage, and the hardship of women in western African society. When the album…
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…finally released her debut recording, Moussoulou (“Women”), and it received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response. Audiences were enchanted not only with her agile vocals but also with her lyrics, which critically addressed taboo topics such as polygamy, arranged marriage, and the hardship of women in western African society. When the album…
Read More