National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Zoumana Tereta, also called "Zou," has long been a mainstay in the Malian music scene as a studio and tour musician for almost every major artist and group (Oumou Sangare, Mai Kone, Lassina Coulibaly, Badema National, Ensemble Instrumental du Mali).

Although a fisherman by ethnicity, and a long-haul trucker by trade, Zou took the long road to music and musical success. However, his road has made this success all the more sweet. Zou plays the traditional Malian violin, a one-stringed affair that Zou has christened sokou.

Zou's album contains some traditional songs honoring warriors, kings and other historical figures, as well as some serious messages, including songs built around reminders to look after orphans and treat women with respect. —Courtesy Calabash Music