Oumou Sangaré

"The school of life was my education — the only one I could have. I learnt on the move’"

"One day, when my mother came back from a trip,” Oumou recalled, “she saw that I had managed to clothe all her children in brand new clothes"

"But mum, I sing now. I earn plenty of money in the streets"

"It was a very hard childhood, but thanks be to God, all is well now. It gave me an incredible character. I can face up to any obstacle"

"I tried to be myself and stay close to womanhood. There were plenty of critics, but it was all very minor compared to the success"

"Sometimes I would shut myself away"

"I would sing to console myself. I had no mother on whose shoulder I could rest my head for comfort. There were no stories at bedtime. So I sang. And I cried a lot"

"You can lose your lucky star / Or you can take care of it / You must not spoil it"

"I begin with myself. I try to show a good example. I thank God for this fortune, and I try and help younger artists move up the ladder in an attempt to give benefit t those who haven’t had the kind of opportunities I have"

"Oumou Sangare embodies this alluring dichotomy like no one else. She’s the epitome of tough femininity; beautiful, elegant, determined, independent, talented…and, well, hard"

"Her voice makes you stop the car and peer skywards in wonder."