“Take the energy of Lauryn Hill, the consciousness of India.Arie, and the mystique of Erykah Badu, and you got Dobet Gnahoré.” –St. Louis American
Dobet Gnahoré is a renowned African singer, dancer, songwriter, and percussionist. She is known for her dynamic performances and ability to blend various musical styles from across the African continent. Furthermore, her work emphasizes cultural preservation and advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.
Dobet Gnahoré was born in Côte d’Ivoire to a musical family. Her father, Boni Gnahoré, played percussion and was a founding member of the renowned Ivorian cultural organization, Ki-Yi M’Bock. That is where Dobet’s training began. There, she learned various African musical traditions, including dance and percussion. This comprehensive training helped her develop a deep appreciation for African cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Dobet started performing with Ki-Yi M’Bock in her teens, beginning her career as a professional artist. Her performances were characterized by energetic dance routines, intricate rhythms, and soulful singing. Then, these quickly drew attention both locally and internationally. Dobet’s music is a vibrant blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary styles. Additionally, she sings in various African languages, but recently has written mostly in the Bété language, one of the many regional languages of Côte d’Ivoire. Here, her powerful voice and stage presence are complemented by her mastery of many traditional African instruments.
Dobet’s work is influenced by her desire to promote African cultural heritage and address social issues such as gender equality, poverty, and environmental sustainability. Her lyrics often touch on themes of empowerment, resilience, and unity.
In 2010, Dobet earned further renown when her collaboration with American singer India.Arie. Then, their song “Pearls” earned them a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. That same year, the UK’s Guardian newspaper crowned her with the “best performance” accolade at the prestigious WOMAD festival.
Recommended for fans of India.Arie, Angelique Kidjo, Richard Bona and Sona Jobarteh.
