ARTOWN CULTURAL CONNECTIONS: NATU CAMARA

If you merged Miriam Makeba with Nina Simone, added a dose of Tracy Chapman and sprinkled on some Tina Turner, you might begin to explain Natu Camara. A vibrant singer and songwriter whose West African heritage, charged performance style and passion for social justice has made her a unique presence in World Music. Born in Ivory Coast and raised in Guinea, Natu's devotion to music exploded in early success when she joined three friends to form West Africa's first ever female R&B/hip-hop band, the Ideal Black Girls. Their first album, Guinea mou monèra (“It's not a shame to be a woman”) went on to sell in the millions and was nominated for Best Album 2002 in Guinea. Encouraged by thousands of loyal fans thrilled by the music but even more inspired by its commitment to women's power, the Ideal Black Girls toured throughout Africa while managing to finish college, an inspiration for an entire generation of girls. And their impact has been lasting. They organized Rhapsody, a revolutionary festival of live music and mentorship for females, and their song “Didi” continues to be played extensively, often as an expression of love at weddings. Their second album, recorded in Senegal, was also successful, but it marked a new phase to Natu's career.