MANOU GALLO

Rythmes au Féminin series

“The musical sensations are many, with amazing vocals, breathtaking bass solos, and a psychedelic whirlwind of sounds to great effect” (La Nouvelle République, 2021). Former member of Zap Mama, one of the most iconic all-female groups of the African music scene, Manou Gallo is an accomplished musician, breaking with conventions by playing bass like you would a percussion instrument. Dubbed the Queen of Afro-groove, she pushes past the boundaries between musical genres, interweaving traditional rhythms with Afrobeat, rock, jazz, blues and funk. “Everything is possible,” she said. with a nod to the late great musicians who had shown her the way, notably the late Manu Dibango and Fela Kuti.