Nawal ~ Voice of Comoros

Nawal

Nawal originally comes from the Comoros Islands, also known as the "Perfume Islands" or "Islands of the Moon," located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Born into a family with many musicians, Nawal bathed in both popular and spiritual music from a young age in her native islands, as well as later in her new home in France.

Nawal released her second full-length album “Aman” (peace of the soul) in the United States in the summer of 2007 and in Europe in the spring of 2008. A self-produced artist, Nawal’s powerful voice and message are as engaging as ever. Music critics for the New York Times, the Financial Times, Global Rhythm and fRoots among numerous others greeted “Aman” with enthusiastic reviews. Her first full-length album, "Kweli" (Truth), was released in 2001 and was also very well-received by the critics, as well as fans.
An acoustic roots-based fusion, Nawal’s unique sound combines influences from her native islands Comoros and far beyond. Between traditional and contemporary, Nawal's music weaves a rich dialog of cultures, a reflection of the diverse character of life in her native islands. Indo-Arabian-Persian music meets Bantu polyphonies, the syncopated rhythms and Sufi trance of the Indian Ocean. Nawal sings mainly in Comoran, also with Arabic, French and English. An acoustic roots-based fusion, her music is rhythmically compelling and beautifully lyrical.
Nawal has gained international praise as a self-produced artist with her powerful voice and socially progressive commentary. Known as the "Voice of Comoros," Nawal is also the first Comoran woman singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to give performances in public. Nawal has performed professionally for twenty years, and has toured in Europe, the United States, Canada and the Indian Ocean. As a multi-instrumentalist she plays the gambusi (Comoran banjo-like instrument, cousin to the oud), the daf (Iranian frame drum) and guitar, among others.
Nawal is currently performing and touring as part of a trio. Along with Nawal, the trio includes Idriss Mlanao on contrabass and Melissa Cara Rigoli on mbira and mixed percussion.