The youngest of six children, Nâdiya was born and raised in Tours to Algerian parents. Not long after turning 16, Nâdiya earned the title of French champion in the 800-meter track and field competition. Now, in her thirties, she is one of France’s biggest R&B stars. Sung with the passion of the young mother that she is, Parle-moi (Talk to me) tackles the difficult topic of child abuse.

Though Mai Lingani grew up in Côte d’Ivoire, she is one of the most popular singer/songwriters in Burkina Faso, where she was born. In 1998 that country presented her with its highest award for a musician, the “Prix national de la chanson.” In addition to her beautiful French and melodious English, Mai also speaks (and sings in) three African tongues: Moré, Dioula, and Bissa. Please enjoy our interview with this delightful talent!

Amadou and Mariam reference a number of West African musical instruments, like djembes, dununs, balans, and tamas, in “Beaux dimanches”—a song about Sundays in Bamako.