Dobet Gnahoré, a singer, dancer and percussionist from the Ivory Coast, inherited the force of the “Bété“ tradition from her father, Boni Gnahoré, a master percussionist who plays with the Abidjan-based Ki-Yi Mbock Company, directed by Werewere Liking.

It was within this Ivory Coast-based company that Dobet met French guitarist Colin Laroche de Féline, who went there to immerse himself in African melodies and rhythms, after being introduced to them by Toroma Sika in France.

In September 2016 FORWARD presented ‘Musicians Unite to End female genital mutilation (FGM)’ two evenings in London and Bristol with Grammy award winner and Radio 3 World Music Award nominee Dobet Gnahore. Dobet is a singer, dancer and percussionist from the Ivory Coast and sings in seven African languages. Her incredible band bring ranges from Congolese rumba to Ziglibito from Ivory Coast carried along with jazz-like sounds. Dobet’s powerful voice, intensely captivating stage presence and high energy dance routines all promise the audience an inspired, energetic and beautiful performance.