Malouma

Malouma Mint El Mokhtar Ould El Meidah, known simply as Malouma, was born on October 1, 1960, in Mauritania. Raised in a culturally rich environment in the south-west of the country, she was introduced to traditional Mauritanian music by her parents. Her musical journey began at the tender age of twelve, when she first took to the stage, quickly gaining recognition for her talent. Her debut song, 'Habibi Habeytou,' boldly criticized the treatment of women, sparking both acclaim and controversy among the traditional ruling classes.

Despite her early success, Malouma faced significant challenges, including being forced into marriage as a teenager, which temporarily halted her singing career until 1986. During her hiatus, she developed a unique musical style that blended traditional sounds with elements of blues, jazz, and electro. By the early 1990s, her songs addressing sensitive issues such as poverty and inequality led to censorship in Mauritania, but she persevered and began performing internationally by the end of the decade.

After the lifting of the ban on her music, Malouma re-emerged as a prominent figure in the music scene, particularly resonating with younger audiences. Her fourth album, 'Knou,' released in two thousand fourteen, features lyrics that advocate for human rights and women's empowerment. In addition to her musical endeavors, she has been a passionate advocate for preserving Mauritania's musical heritage, establishing a foundation to support this cause and initiating a music festival in two thousand fourteen.

Malouma's political career began in two thousand seven when she was elected as a senator, becoming the first politician from her caste. Following a coup d'état in two thousand eight, she was arrested but later returned to politics as a senator for the opposition Ech-Choura party, focusing on environmental issues. Her dedication to public service earned her recognition as the IUCN's Goodwill Ambassador for Central and West Africa in two thousand eleven. In December two thousand fourteen, she transitioned to the ruling party, the Union for the Republic, believing she could make a more significant impact on her country's development. Her contributions have been acknowledged internationally, with honors from both France and the United States, including being named a Mauritanian Woman of Courage.