Born in Mauritainia, Malouma absorbed the music and culture of both the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa while growing up, and those two influences form the base of her singing, similar to Ofra Haza, Najma or Angelique Kidjo. She was trained in the traditional style as a singer and musician while still quite young, and by the time she had matured, Malouma decided to add contemporary inspirations to her style. Her singing brought her to fame in her native country as well as France, Egypt and Tunisia. For her first LP, Malouma worked with Senegal's Pape Dieng, an experienced producer who had worked with Youssou N'Dour, as well as Baaba Maal and other African stars. ~ John Bush