Oumou Sangaré is not only one of Mali's best-known singers, but also a jury member at the local X-Factor, hotel owner and importer of cars. Coincidentally, the Chinese manufacturer of those four-wheel-drives was a fan of her music. He decided to design his own model, especially for the growing African car market. It says something about the status of Oumou Sangaré. Seya is her first album in six
… years and exudes an experienced self-assurance. In her lyrics she shows herself as traditionally critical and moralistic, but on the musical level she fortunately does not lose sight of the title of her album ('pleasure'). Examples are the jazz and funk influences of opener SounSoumba or the subtle Senkele Te Sira, which was recorded in one take. Oumou Sangaré is one of those artists who knows how to turn the setbacks in her life into inspiring music. She delivers the final test of her ability with Seya. (PdK)more
