Les Amazones d’Afrique is a creative force that embraces international voices. They were formed in Bamako, Mali, in 2014, by three renowned Malian music stars and social change activists, Mamani Keïta, Oumou Sangaré and Mariam Doumbia, (of Amadou and Mariam). The feminine collective came together through a shared musical vision, as well as the goal of championing gender equality and bringing attention to the pressing issue of violence against women. They took their name from the Dahomey Amazons, an army of female warriors who solely protected the kingdom of Dahomey (in present-day Benin) for 200 years. The collective has since expanded to involve many female artists from across Africa and the diaspora, including Angélique Kidjo, Nneka and Rokia Koné. While their cause — campaigning for gender equality and eradicating ancestral violence is worthy enough in itself, their musical creative expression is equally powerful. Richly melodic and far-ranging, it blends pan-African styles and collaborative harmonies with gritty, contemporary pop. Using their music as a form of campaign for gender equality Les Amazones d’Afrique played numerous major festivals and stages in the world and with three albums behind them, the powerful energy and distinct presence, they have become one of the most important voices in West African modern feminism.