BMG
Oumou Sangaré - Moussolou Oumou Sangaré
This release is part of the World Circuit 40th Anniversary colour series
Moussolou is the debut album by Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, recorded in 1989 and released in 1991. The title means ""Women"" in Bambara, signalling the album's central theme from the outset. Many of the songs draw on Sangaré's own experiences as a woman in a male-dominated society that continues to embrace polygamy. Her lyrics address issues of love, marriage, independence and women's rights with a directness that was both courageous and groundbreaking.
The music was just as revolutionary as the subject matter. Rooted in the powerful, pulse-like rhythms of the traditional Wassoulou sound and centred on the brilliant kamalengoni playing of Bénogo Diakité, Moussolou updated these traditions with modern arrangements and instrumentation that resonated with a new generation of listeners in Mali and across West Africa. Both deeply respectful of tradition and unmistakably contemporary, the album quickly became a major success, launching Sangaré's career while she was still very young.
World Circuit's Nick Gold first encountered Moussolou through a cassette given to him by Ali Farka Touré in Bamako, where the album seemed to be playing everywhere, providing an all-enveloping soundtrack to the city. Captivated by what he heard, Gold was determined to release the album internationally, beginning a long and fruitful relationship with Oumou Sangaré.
The album established Sangaré as both a formidable musical talent and a socially conscious artist, redefining how traditional Malian music could engage with contemporary issues. Its blend of cultural authenticity and fearless advocacy has made Moussolou a landmark recording in African and world music, laying the foundation for Sangaré's enduring reputation as one of the continent's most celebrated artists and a powerful voice for women's rights.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of World Circuit Records, this empowering and influential debut is being reissued on transparent turquoise vinyl. The release also includes a full-colour booklet featuring lyrics in both English and French.
Track List
Side A
A1 - Djama Kaissoumou
A2 - Diaraby Nene
A3 - Woula Bara Diagna
Side B
B1 - Moussolou
B2 - Diya Gneba
B3 - Ah Ndiya
Pickup available at Cambridge
Usually ready in 24 hours. Unless it's a Pre-Order
Product information
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Returns
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Relevant Record Café,
260 Mill Road
Cambridge,
CB1 3NF.
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Non-Faulty Products
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Once we receive your record, it will be tested by a member of staff in store.
If your record is deemed as faulty, you will be entitled to a refund, swap or store credit (to the same value as your initial purchase).
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Basically, please be absolutely certain the record you have purchased is faulty before following the returns procedure. If possible, we suggest testing the record on different turntables and weighting the tone arm differently.
Steepletone and Crosley Record Players
After having several “faulty” records returned to us (that in actuality had nothing wrong with them), we cannot guarantee that any records we sell will play correctly Crosley or Steepletone branded record players.