Disregarding the 2003 double compilation album 'Oumou', 'Seya' is Oumou Sangare's first long player in more than five years. The Malian diva was fed up with touring and in recent years devoted herself to a bunch of side projects. With 'Seya' she continues where she left off with 'Worotan', although this new album might sound just that little bit more upbeat than her older work. And that was exactly Oumou's intention: "seya" means "joy" and the singer wanted to transmit the positive feelings she experienced revamping her musical career onto her audience. In terms of content, little has changed as pet subjects like arranged marriage ('Wele Wele Wintou') or the equality between men and women ('To Senkele Sira') are ever present. Conclusion? Who already liked Oumou's music, will also enjoy this album and it would strongly amazes us if after five years, the uncrowned queen of Malian music, couldn't excite a whole new audience!