With her elegant style and impressive dreads, it’s hard not to be captivated by this artist. When she sings, her whole being gets fired up, as on her hit “Ras-le-bol,” a song about being fed up. Little by little, Lérie Sankofa has been climbing the ladder of success, scoring points with each performance. Also known by her birth name, Valérie Beugré, she is an accomplished percussionist with a penchant for the UFO-like handpan. Lérie fits right in with those inspiring up-and-coming stars who embrace their musical heritage with dedication and innovation.

Not one to follow the beaten path of current Afrobeat trends, Lérie prefers to listen to the rhythms and songs flowing within her to clear the way for a new style, which she calls “Afrolite.” A wholesome, accessible music that rises out of her nocturnal inspirations. On “Ne m’abandonne pas,” she sings about her vulnerability with such penetrating sincerity that it sends shivers up the spine. Her approach is simple: music that is lighter and without pretense. In her own way, she serves as an ambassador of Ivorian music and her beloved country, where she taught music during the pandemic years.

Lérie Sankofa had the honour of being the first winner of the new “Prix Henriette Diabaté de la meilleure création artistique féminine” at the 2024 MASA (Marché des Arts du Spectacle d’Abidjan) awards. It’s a fair bet that the song “Maman” from her latest album Zuzu had something to do with it… This summer will be Lérie’s second visit to Montreal, and Festival International Nuits d’Afrique welcomes her with open arms. There is no doubt she will have the whole audience at her feet, including those who attended her concert at Club Balattou last February, in honour of Black History Month. A sensational artist whose very presence is enchanting and it’s her fans’ enthusiasm that keeps her going.