SIA TOLNO

LES RÉVÉLATIONS presented by Atuvu.ca

Sia Tolno, RFI’s 2011 Révélation, is the epitome of the strong African woman forging her own path, deconstructing prejudice as she blazes a trail for others. Backed by Tony Allen, compatriot of Fela Kuti, this survivor of the long civil war in Sierra Leone, where she grew up, has carved a prominent place for herself in a very male-dominated Afrobeat world. Always on a quest for intensity and new grooves, and eager to take on new challenges, Sia’s powerful voice is often compared to those of Angélique Kidjo and Miriam Makeba. She has also gained recognition as a key member of the Afro Dead collective, which reimagines the Grateful Dead’s music using Afrobeat, soukous and highlife grooves. Her latest EP, Baya (2023), gives pride of place to Mandinka and Afro-blues rhythms.