Sogha (or Sogha Niger) is a Nigerien neo-traditional music group that combines traditional and modern instruments in its music. The word Sogha means “beauty” in the Zarma-Songhay language. The group is composed of ten members, five instrumentalists, three singers, and two dancers.

Groupe Sogha
OriginNiger
GenresAfrican Music/ Hausa music / Zarma-Songhai Music / Desert blues
Years active2004-present
MembersAïchatou Ali Soumaïla, Fati Hallidou, Rahmatou Hassane, Nana Mallam Garba, Abdou Seydou, Issaka Maazou, Ousseini Tari, Tahirou Hima
Websitefacebook.com/soghagroupe

Groupe Sogha was Niger's music ambassador at the 2005 Francophone Games in Niamey. The group became an instant success after producing the hymn for the 2005 Francophonie games 'Na Am Fracophonie'(Yes Francophonie). Other major hits include 'Dan Kwali' and 'Fulbe'. Sogha has produced two albums , recorded under the artistic direction of the music maestro Boncana Maiga.[1] In 2018, the Executive Committee of the African Music Council, headquartered in Brazzaville, Congo, decided to admit the Nigerien Groupe Sogha as a member of the Council under the category of National and Specialized Organizations. Sogha is a profusion of talents and an illustration of a country that wishes to promote the expression of women in its very traditionalist and conservative society.[2][3][4][5][6]

Appearances edit

The group has performed in several festivals since its formation, Festival Wedbinde in Burkina Faso, FESPACO, atypical nights of Koudougou in Burkina Faso, Festival MASA in Ivory Coast, “TIMBUCTU” au Canada, the ZARAGOZA fair in Spain among others.[7]

References edit

  1. ^ Idrissa, Abdourahmane (2020), Historical Dictionary of Niger, ISBN 9781538120156, retrieved 2021-02-25
  2. ^ Le Groupe Sogha Niger; Une fierté Nigérienne, Africaine et Internationale, tauraro.info, 2020, retrieved 2021-02-25
  3. ^ Gbadamassi, Felila (2008), Sôgha : les voix du Niger, retrieved 2021-03-11
  4. ^ Sogha, africacultures.com, retrieved 2021-03-22
  5. ^ Foire internationale de New Delhi/Inde : Sogha marque la présence du Niger à la foire de Surajkund, niamey.com, 2019, retrieved 2021-03-22
  6. ^ NISABWE, Yves (2015), Sogha, musicinafrica, retrieved 2021-03-22
  7. ^ Le Groupe Sogha, retrieved 2021-02-25