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Chicago Sun Times, Preview >>
It took a village to spark Gnahore's 'burning joy'
Dobet Gnahore grew up in the Ivory Coast capital city of Abidjan. But her neighborhood in the bustling city was no ordinary place. Her father, a drummer, singer and actor, was a founding member of Village Ki-Yi M'Bock, one of Africa's most respected artist colonies. Founded in 1985 by Cameroonian Werewere Liking, the community is home to more than 50 artists of diverse traditions, ages and origins all working together to create a unique African artistic vision.
At age 12 and despite the fact she was headed back to school, Gnahore knew the village was her calling and convinced her father to let her stay for an education of another kind. She trained in an intertwining style of music and performance that included dance, percussion, song, poetry and theater.
"I knew I wanted to be like my father," the French-speaking Gnahore said, through an interpreter. "It was inspiring. Everyone was working together to create everything."
Today, Gnahore, 25, is buoyed by a charismatic stage presence. She is not only a mesmerizing singer but also a dancer and drummer whose shows have a burning intensity and joy. The new disc, "Na Afriki," features original songs that address social and political issues in Africa, including the struggles of woman, the exploitation of children and the impact of violence on the family.
By 13, Gnahore was singing in a variety of different African dialects which she continues to do today. In 1996, she met a young French guitarist, Colin Laroche de Feline, whose three-day visit stretched into three years. They are now the parents of a young child and reside in France.
For his part, Laroche de Feline mastered a range of African guitar techniques. For Gnahore, collaborating with him was a turning point.
"Colin brought a new view of music to me," she said. "Before he arrived, I was singing more traditional songs. Through his help, I was able to open up my technique, add modern rhythms and collaborate on the new songs."
Today, the up-and-coming artist's world vision is being compared to that of the great women of African music -- Angelique Kidjo and Miriam Makeba. Gnahore says that vision shifted a bit when she became a mother.
"I became more stable and developed a better understanding of the reality of the world," Gnahore said. "Now I make music for the future of that world and the future of my child."
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September 14, 2007 BY MARY HOULIHAN
Dobet Gnahore performs at 7:30 tonight at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 09/14/07 >> go there
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