GRAMMY-winner Dobet Gnahoré is one of Africa's hottest and most beloved talents. With her amazing voice, incredible dance moves, powerful stage presence, and colorful fashion sense, Dobet appeals to fans of Angelique Kidjo, Yemi Alade, Fatoumata Diawara and other divas of African music. While the African continent has blessed the world with many recognized female artists, Dobet Gnahoré has proven herself to be a truly special talent. Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, Dobet is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her country in exciting new directions while serving as an inspiration for the young generation of African women.
Featured Songs:
The song “Lagô”, featured on our Global Reggae digital album, has a guest appearance by Ivoirean reggae star Kajeem. Dobet sings about the strength of her faith and her gratitude for the higher power that watches over her. “You who fill us with grace and goodness for the strength to get up every morning / For the precious breath of life and health / You the god of the poor, god of the oppressed / You who in the worst moments always stay by our side.”
On our album, African Celebration, Gnahoré's track “Espoir” (Hope) is from her upcoming album Zouzou, to be released in June 2024 on the Cumbancha record label. The album was produced by Momo Wang, aka Dr. Wang, one of Abidjan’s most in demand beat makers and producer for top international talents such as Malian R&B superstar Aya Nakamura, leading coupé-décale singer Ariel Sheney and many others. On “Espoir” Dobet sings “We are here to share with the poor / We are here to give to the suffering / We are all brothers and sisters / We are all from the same earth / I will never let a brother suffer / I will never let a sister cry / I will never let a child die of hunger / They also have the right to happiness.”
“Gni” (The River) is from Dobet’s 2024 album Zouzou on the Cumbancha record label. Featured on Putumayo's World Beats, the song is a tribute to water and all it gives humanity. “By this river, love lives / Love flows like water / Let's let our hearts fill with sweet thoughts near the river / The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, the silence is infinite / Imagination becomes fertile, it is in its sphere of love / It is impossible for negativity to arise.”
On the Global Women track, “You,” a song that originally appeared on Dobet’s 2024 Cumbancha album Zouzou, she sings about the suffering of children. “I talk about those children who are in the middle of war,” she explains, “Those children who didn't ask for anything and who suffer from the cruelty of men, the cruelty of the strongest. Why can't we, adults, save the children from our human foolishness, from our thirst for power?”
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