Dobet Gnahoré: Na Drê

The oral tradition of the griots can be traced back to the 13th century in the vast West African Mande Empire of Mali, which included what is now the Ivory Coast. They are an essential cultural trait of the region, heralded as messengers of praise and visionaries of the future. Dobet Gnahoré, a native of the Ivory Coast, is a descendant of the griots and daughter of a master percussionist. She was trained and immersed in artistic rituals from an early age, and her singing symbolizes her life in Africa. Gnahoré composed all the lyrics, for Na Drê , presenting serious visions of an Africa filled with both joy and sorrow, driven by strong undercurrents of optimistic rhythms.

Singing in an array of local languages and dialects, with profound emotion, Gnahoré soundly explores the diversity which encompasses African music. Joined by her husband Colin La Roche de Féline on guitar, and the core group of bassist Clive Govinden, and drummer Boris Tchango—along with numerous guest artists—she runs the gamut from songs of love as "Na Drê," rejoices a friendship in "Awili," and acclaims her beliefs in "Allah." But it is in her songs dealing with the poignant plight of African women, where she reveals an inner ferocity that distinguishes this recording. "Tania," tells of a young woman and her unborn child dying due to improper healthcare. "Zina" and "Fourousiri," are about the ongoing problem of battered women and forced loveless marriages. These are subjects Gnahoré is adamant about and which are an integral part of her repertoire both in her riveting live performances, and on record. She continues to raise her voice in confidence of raising awareness against injustice.

There are refrains of death and loss in "Voisin," and "Princesse Ever," and of a better African homeland in "Baara." She reaches into Haitian Kreol sensibilities with the upbeat "Yon Reve," about a pleasant dream, and "Maman," why the search for a simple happiness is such an arduous one.

Dobet Gnahoré is very much a modern African woman, now residing in Europe with a family of her own, and a successful international music career. But she continues to carry the torch for those who stumble in the darkness through no fault of their own. There is a strong social and personal commitment to improve basic human rights and conditions in Africa, which penetrates her music. Her music is not written or produced for the mass market—though she won a Grammy for "Palea" in 2010—she has her sights on a much bigger picture and brighter future than fame or fortune. With the release of Na Drê, she is well on her way.