Inna Baba Coulibaly, a prominent Fulani singer, was born and raised in the culturally diverse district of Nara in the Kulikoro region of Mali, which shares a border with Mauritania. While her musical talent has earned her a devoted following and widespread admiration, it is her otherworldly, transcendent quality that has elevated her to a revered status in Mali and the diaspora. In particular, Inna Baba is best known for her tribute to the late Marabout saint “Sidi Modibo,” who is venerated in Mali for his teachings, spiritual wisdom, and miraculous abilities.
Inna Baba’s early years were marked by a passion for singing, which she shared with her friends under the moonlight in her village. However, when she got married at a young age, her family forbade her from pursuing music since musicians were discouraged in her community. Despite this obstacle, Inna Baba’s talent was eventually discovered when the commandant of Dilly visited her village and ordered them to participate in the festival of independence. Inna Baba was chosen by her village to participate and accompanied by her uncle on violin, she won first place with her song, which became widely recognized throughout Mali.
In the mid-1970s, Inna Baba moved to Bamako to improve her musicianship. She frequented the home of Amadou Djeliba, a renowned ngoni player, and was captivated by his performances. There, she often heard Ali Farka Touré on Radio Mali and eventually had the opportunity to join the two great musicians in recording some songs for the radio. Impressed by her voice, Ali and Djeliba encouraged Inna Baba to pursue a solo career, and in March 1975, accompanied by Ali Farka Touré and Amadou Djeliba, she recorded her debut album, “Sahel,” in just one day.
Inna Baba Coulibaly’s upcoming album, Djilly Kawral, is scheduled for release on May 5th, 2023. The album explores the rich cultural heritage of the Fulani (also known as Fula and Fulbé), Soninke, Bamanan, and Moor communities that have existed in the Kulikoro region since the days of the Wagadu Empire in the 4th century. It celebrates love and peace, highlighting themes ranging from family and community to spirituality and national pride.
The album features a dynamic vocal exchange between Inna Baba and her daughter Awa Poulo; the virtuosic ganbaré (Soninké lute) playing of Kandé Sissoko; the unparalleled tambin (flute) playing of Madou Traoré; and the deep hoddu (Fula lute) grooves played by Modibo Sissoko, son of the late ‘Old Lion’ Bazoumana Sissoko. The album also incorporates guitar, calabash, and the m’baggu, a Fula marching snare/drum often paired with the flute during ceremonies.
Discography:
Sahel, with Ali Farka Touré (World Circuit, 2017)
Djilly Kawral (Remote Records/Studio Mali, 2023)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.