Rising African Music Star Dobet Gnahoré Will Be performing July 13th at the Chicago Folk & Roots Festival

This summer Dobet Gnahoré returns to the US and Canada for a tour of select festivals and concert venues. One of today’s most talked-about young African artists, Dobet Gnahoré’s energetic dance moves and powerful vocals have earned her comparisons to African music icons Angelique Kidjo, Zap Mama and Miriam Makeba. On Sunday, July 13th Dobet Gnahoré brings her riveting performance to the 11th Annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Dobet Gnahoré grew up in one of Africa’s most unique artist enclaves. Village Ki-Yi M’Bock, located in the Ivory Coast, is home to over fifty resident artists of diverse traditions, ages, and origins, including dancers, actors, puppeteers, sculptors, painters, costume designers, and musicians, and has played an important role in the African arts scene. There, African artists with a multitude of ethnic backgrounds collaborate freely, united in their commitment to creating uniquely African artistic expressions.

Dobet’s father was a co-founder of the community and from a young age she was trained in a multi-faceted approach to music and performance where dance, percussion, song, poetry, and theater are intertwined. On this solid artistic base she is now bringing her music to audiences worldwide.

Dobet earned a Newcomer of the Year nomination from the BBC World Music Awards in 2006. Later that year, Dobet took part in the Putumayo Acoustic Africa tour, sharing the stage with Malian guitarist Habib Koité and South African troubadour Vusi Mahlasela. Dobet’s amazing performance stole the show and demonstrated that she was a star in the making. Her latest album, Na Afriki (My Africa) was released on the Cumbancha label last year. Since it’s release, the album has received widespread accolades, and held the number one spot on both US and Canadian college radio charts for over three weeks.

Dobet’s songs address social and political issues in Africa: the struggles of women in African society, the exploitation of children, and the impact of greed and violence on the family. Dobet calls upon Africa to seek solutions from within and draw upon its own vast resources to create a better future. She sings of love and loss, as well as joy and celebration, using a wide variety of rhythms and styles that reflect her pan-African approach.

July 13th, 2008 / 6:30pm
11th Annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
Welles Park • Montrose & Lincoln
Presented by Old Town School of Folk Music
or call: 773.728.6000
$7 suggested donation for adults
$3 suggested donation for children

Buy the CD:

• In North America: Na Afriki
• In Europe: Na Afriki

For more information visit: www.chicagofolkandroots.org