Zara Moussa

Line up

Ludo Mesnil (electric and acoustic guitars)
Ollivier Leroy (keyboard, programming)
Seyni Halidou (Molo, kiemsa)
Yacouba Moumouni (nigerian flute, backing vocals, kalemgouni)
Zara Moussa ZM (vocal)

country:
Niger
region:
Central Africa
style(s):
- Hip Hop
- World
label:
LABEL CARAVAN
type:
Band
gender:
male, female
instrumentation:
instrumental, vocal
artist submitted by:
Label Caravan

32 years old Zara Moussa lives between the river and the desert in Niamey, the capital of Niger. ZM took up the challenge of entering Niger's rap scene as a woman, so she could be heard and speak on behalf of those without a say. She is a real pioneer in women's hip hop in West Africa. She started by covering anthems of well known singers, playing with Niamey's Wiza Orchestra, amongst others. In 2002, she wins the rap contest organized by the French Embassy with her track Femme Objet . This enables her to record her first two singles. ZM builds up a name and a steady reputation amongst the hip hop crowd.
In February 2005, ZM releases Kirari, her first self-produced album. It is also the first female solo rap album in West Africa. ZM is a very open minded artist who looks for inspiration in the respect of her country's culture. She speaks to her audience in French, in Djerma, or in Haoussa. Zara imposes a sometimes poetic, explosive, and always hard hitting hip hop style with heavy rhythms, where ragga sounds mix with African melodies. With her rugged voice, this young artist expresses her rage against any form of injustice, especially those made to women or those suffered by Africa and its youth. She speaks about violence, marriage or love without any taboos. She cries out the words many can only think quietly. ZM has found a special place in Niger's heart.