Les Amazones d'Afrique and Monique Clare

Formed in Bamako, Mali, in 2014, the captivating Les Amazones d’Afrique is an all-female West African collective that blends mesmerising melodies with moving social activism. By combining traditional pan-African styles with gritty, contemporary pop, the group’s powerful performances call for gender equality and the eradication of ancestral violence.

The release of their widely acclaimed debut album, République Amazone, drew praise from critics and heads of state alike, with the soulful and catchy ‘La Dame et Ses Valises’ chosen by President Obama as one of his top 20 favourite songs of 2017. Meanwhile, The Independent called Les Amazones d’Afrique “a proud, forceful demonstration of the strength and variety of modern African music.”

Wielding a cello and strikingly crafted vocals, Monique Clare delivers indie-folk laced with chamber pop. Driving rhythms collide with intricate cello lines; heart-tugging harmonies are woven through compelling vocals. Her lyrics speak to the ruminations of her generation and dive deep into the universal experiences of love and loss.  Her disarmingly candid stage presence is born from years of international touring with The Maes and session work for everyone from Kate Miller-Heidke to Eminem.