Live in New York 2010

Description

Of Songhai and Berber descent, the late KHAIRA ARBY (1959-2018) was, in her youth, given in marriage to a man who opposed her taking on the status of singer — which is, sadly, the case for many women in Mali — and had to devote herself primarily to her family. But the frustration was too great. After her divorce and before embarking on a solo career in the early 90s, she joined the BADEMA NATIONAL orchestra, a springboard for a courageous takeoff. Strong-willed, determined and free, regularly invited by the UN, KHAIRA was the spokesperson for the women’s cause. These precious unreleased tracks, songs reflecting the multiple tragedies that affected Mali at the turn of the millennium, electrified the North American audience at Bard College in New York State in 2010.