If you merged Miriam Makeba with Nina Simone, added a dose of Tracy Chapman, and sprinkled in some Tina Turner, you might begin to describe Natu Camara. A vibrant singer/songwriter whose West African heritage, high-energy performance style, and passion for social justice make her a unique force in global music, Camara's music features powerful vocals, uplifting lyrics, and infectious rhythms.
Born in Côte d'Ivoire and raised in Guinea, Natu Camara'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. Her blend of rock, soul, and singer-songwriter tunes is infused with rhythms from Guinea and West Africa more generally. The stories she tells are personal ones that invite listeners into her experiences, which builds a unique bond with her audience.
