Kandia Kouyaté is a Malian jelimuso (singer, a female griot) and kora player; she has earned the prestigious title of ngara, and is sometimes appellated La Dangereuse. She is from the town of Kita in western Mali. The town is known for love songs, which is the largest part of Kouyaté's repertoire. She also sings praise songs.

Kouyaté's career began in the early 1980s, when she began using female choral vocals accompanying her. This practice was later picked up by stars like Mory Kante and Salif Keita, and is now an integral part of Malian music. Her debut solo album is Kita Kan.

Kandia Kouyaté suffered a stroke in late 2004, and it is speculated that she will not be able to record or perform again.


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