Women of Mali: The Wassoulou Sound

Any compilation which aims to reflect the distinctive sound of Wassoulou must look to the region's women who account for over 90% of its singers. The traditional songs of this area in southern Mali originate in a culture based on farming and hunting. Female vocalists establish their important role embellishing highly energetic dances such as the "sogoni kum" in which the men, sporting elaborate masks, re-enact heroic hunting exploits.