Noura Mint Seymali

The Mauritanian star Noura Mint Seymali, worshipped in her own country, was raised in the Moorish griot tradition; her father is the legendary musician Seymali Ould Ahmed Vall, and her stepmother Dimi Mint Abba is a legend in her own right. Early in life, Seymali fell for the ardine, a harp only played by women, and for her husband Jeich Ould Chighaly, with whom she has been making music for many years. To make Moorish music known around the world, the duo expanded into a quartet and recorded highly acclaimed albums. Proof that Seymali has succeeded in her aims is provided by the collaborations with Damon Albarn and Shabazz Palaces, and appearances on NPR Tiny Desk and KEXP. Fans of Fela Kuti and Altin Gün know where they need to be!