Travel Tip: Pop Culture and Cinema in United States
Oumou Sangare, Les Nubians, Asa

Born to singer Aminata Diakité, Oumou Sangare is a Malian musician known as "The Songbird of Wassoulou.” She writes and composes her songs to bring about social awareness, especially concerning the place of women within society.

French-Cameroonian sisters Hélène and Célia Faussart created an international sensation with the 1998 release of Princesses Nubiennes, their debut CD. The duo’s sophisticated, alluring mélange of Afro-pop, bass ’n’ drums, electronica, hip-hop, and jazz influences has helped make them the most successful French-language act in the U.S. in more than a decade. They received a 2004 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban Alternative R&B category, along with Erykah Badu, Outkast, and Kelis, and have collaborated with the Black Eyed Peas, DJ Krush, Talib Kweli, and Youssou N’Dour. Les Nubians is known for their jazzy nuances, hard hitting drum 'n' bass lines, harmonious melodies, and conscientious proclamations.

Born to Nigerian parents in Paris, France, Asa moved to Nigeria when she was just two years old. Immersed in the cultural and religious quagmire of her homeland, Asa became inspired by Afrobeat musicians like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, Femi Kuti, and Angélique Kidjo.