Oumu Sangare

I found this in a roundabout way. Oumou Sangare is a 31-year-old Wassulu woman. When she was two years old, her father abandoned the family, leaving his wife and children on the brink of starvation. Though the mother was a talented singer, she couldn’t always make a living even singing at baptisms, weddings and street parties. Oumou learned to sing well, and by age five, her talents were in demand. At age 18, a Malian talent scout found her, and she wound up singing with a band in Europe. Three years later she had her own band and was recording hit albums.
She is a Wassulu woman. Most of her people became Muslim in the 19th century, though they are much more likely to put their faith in traditional religion. Only two percent of them are Christians, though workers are trying to bring the gospel of Christ to these people. More here.