Exploring the origins, organization, subject matter, and performance contexts of singers and singing, Women's Songs from West Africa expands our understanding of the world of women in West Africa and their complex and subtle roles as verbal artists. Covering Côte d'Ivoire, the Gambia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and beyond, the essays attest to the importance of women's contributions to the most widespread form of verbal art in Africa.

Contributions by: Marame Gueye, Kirsten Langeveld, Boubé Namaïwa, Ariane Deluz, Marloes Janson, Aline Tauzin, Luciana Penna-Diaw, Jan Jansen, George Joseph, Fatima Mounkaïla, Bah Diakité, Aissata Niandou, Beverly B. Mack, Susan J. Rasmussen, Nienke Muurling, Brahima Camara