Idrissa Soumaoro (Mali)

Idrissa Soumaoro, born in 1949 in Ouéléssébougou in southern Mali, is a singer, composer, guitarist and master of the kamale n’goni, an African harp. After studying at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako, he taught music in Diré before returning to the capital, where he performed widely and joined the influential Ambassadeurs du Motel alongside Salif Keïta and Kanté Manfila. While fully-sighted himself, he has devoted many years educating visually impaired musicians, even studying Braille musicography in the UK. His solo albums, including Koté (2003), Djitoumou (2010) and Diré (2023), draw on Bambara musical traditions while reflecting influences from rumba, blues, rock, soul and West African stringed music. Soumaoro’s long career, warm voice and thoughtful songwriting have long made him a respected figure in Malian music.

Featured Song:

“Kalata” (The Ballot) is a direct appeal to both citizens and political leaders. Soumaoro encourages people to vote with hope and responsibility, calling for a president who will “make the people happy,” keep the environment clean and work for collective welfare. At the same time, the song speaks to politicians, reminding them that if they serve the public with honesty, “you will be elected and we will cheer for you.”

Artist Website

Featured on:

Click image to learn more