TED Blog » Rokia Traore

TEDsters trek to WOMAD

Emily McManus — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Immediately after TEDGlobal 2009, a group of TEDsters took off for WOMAD at Charlton Park — the three-day world music festival founded by TED speaker Peter Gabriel (watch his talk from 2006). Sleeping in teepees, rocking all night … the pictures tell the story. Above, twilight bubbles, photographed by TED’s Lara Stein, director of the TEDx program.

Below, Peter Gabriel dropped by the TEDGlobal Internet Cafe tent. (Photo: Gary Shainberg)

At the Internet Cafe tent, Lara Stein hangs out with Cara Muñeca (in the pink wig). (Photo: Laura Galloway)

And of course: the music! Youssou N’Dour, Rokia Traoré (who played at TEDGlobal 2007), blues legend Solomon Burke … Lara’s picks: “Rachael Unthank and the Winterset was incredible! Hypnotic Brass Ensemble; Rokia, the Black Arm Band, Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan, Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra. And of course Peter Gabriel…. And many more. There were 4 stages with acts playing from 11am-12 midnight.” (Photo: Laura Galloway)

4 great talks for International Women's Day

Emily McManus — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:30:00 +0000

To celebrate March 8, International Women’s Day, we suggest these four TEDTalks gems from some amazing speakers — artists, scientists and economists who think deeply about the role of women.

Author and activist Isabel Allende discusses women, creativity, feminism — and the power of passionate thinkers and doers:

The former Finance Minister of Nigeria, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, talks about one key opportunity to grow African economies — by investing in women and the businesses they start:

(For more, watch Jacqueline Novogratz >>)

Scientist Nalini Nadkarni explores the world of the forest canopy — and shares her findings with the world below, through dance, art and bold partnerships. She’s working to inspire the next generation of women scientists:

The wonderful Nellie McKay sings “Mother of Pearl” (with the immortal first line “Feminists don’t have a sense of humor”) and “If I Had You” from her sparkling set at TED2008:

Find these four and many more astonishing women (including the legendary primatologist Jane Goodall, oceanographers Sylvia Earle and Tierney Thys, games theorist Brenda Laurel, Zipcar inventor Robin Chase … ) on TED.com >>

Rokia Traoré's new record, Tchamantché

Emily McManus — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:18:18 +0000

This week, the wonderful Rokia Traoré released her new record, Tchamantché, and it’s been rolling up glowing reviews. If you fell in love with Rokia’s smoky voice and her thoughtful, sensitive songs via her two songs on TED.com, or during her knockout set at Pangea Day last May, seek this record out. You can find video from the new album on her website, RokiaTraore.net. Or get acquainted with Rokia via the stunning “Kounandi,” from her set at TEDGlobal 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania:

Rokia Traore sings "Kounandi" on TED.com

tedstaff — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:40:42 +0000

Singer-songwriter Rokia Traoré performs “Kounandi,” a breathtaking song that blends Malian instruments with a modern, heartfelt vocal. Please note: This song is not available for download. (Recorded June 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania. Duration: 6:26.)

Watch Rokia Traore’s talk on TED.com, where you can rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.

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