Rising African music star Dobet Gnahore is in the midst of a US and Canada tour that has gotten off to an excellent start. The first concert in Montreal on September 8th was packed with an adoring crowd who were astounded with Dobet’s masterful stage presence, acrobatic dance moves and powerful voice. During her visit to Montreal, Dobet received feature articles from all major newspapers, was interviewed on three CBC Canada radio programs and performed on the Global TV morning news and information program.
After Montreal, Dobet headed to Burlington, Vermont where she was the feature performer of the Putumayo & Cumbancha World Music Series at Higher Ground. The club was filled to overflowing with an energetic audience that created the perfect synergy between performer and public. While most in attendance had never seen her perform before, everyone their left knowing they had seen a rising star on the cusp of major international renown.
On September 10th, Dobet and her band performed in New York at the prestigious nightclub Joe’s Pub. During her stay in New York, Dobet appeared on the WNYC radio program “Soundcheck”. You can hear her performance here.
Dobet’s tour continues with appearances in Boston, Chicago, Madison, Boulder, Santa Monica, Santa Cruz, Napa, Seattle and more. For a full list of tour dates click here.
Sounds Like
Angelique Kidjo
Zap Mama
Miriam Makeba
You can purchase Dobet's music at iTunes and Amazon
The minute Dobet Gnahoré (pronounced DOH-bay gna-OR-ay) steps onto the stage, it is obvious she is something special. She exudes an inner strength and commanding presence that draws you in, even before she has opened her mouth to sing. Once Dobet does begin to sing, her voice is filled with emotion and range. She moves from heartfelt ballads to funky, danceable songs with ease, and is comfortable performing in a wide range of African styles.
Eventually, Dobet begins to dance, and the true depth of her talent shines through. She jumps across the stage like an acrobat, a soulful tornado of movement who astounds the audience with her moves. Just 24 years old, Dobet Gnahoré has got it all – an exceptional voice, amazing dance skills and the engaging aura reserved for artistic greats. After masterful performances across Europe and the United States, she has become one of African music’s most exciting young talents.
For her sophomore album, Na Afriki (To Africa), Dobet offers a personal vision of Africa today. Performed in a number of different African languages, the songs address social and political issues: the struggles of women in African society, the exploitation of children, the impact of greed and violence on the family. Dobet calls upon Africa to seek solutions from within and draw upon its own vast resources to create a better future. She sings of love and loss, as well as joy and celebration, using a wide variety of rhythms and styles that reflects her unique pan-African approach.
