Matomswé Kouli

Biography – Matomswé Sabine Kouli

Hailing from Togo, Sabine Kouli is a multidisciplinary artist with a rich and dynamic career, driven by over 30 years of passion for music, education, and intercultural exchange.

A Diverse Musical Journey

From her early years, Sabine was deeply inspired by the intensity of traditional African songs, later embracing the rhythms of South African music, gospel, and Negro spirituals—genres she explores for their emotional and expressive power. A visionary leader, she founded several influential vocal ensembles over two decades, including Maezah, Soul Spirit, La Jaama, the Lyon Gospel Mass Choir, and Gospel Jam, helping establish Lyon as a thriving hub for gospel music in France.

As a singer, choir director, and vocal coach, Sabine shares her passion through workshops, singing masterclasses, and an unwavering commitment to vocal training. Her dynamic and engaging teaching style resonates with both amateur and professional singers alike.

Creation, Direction & Innovation

Sabine’s work extends to musical direction and composition, blending genres and influences:

Member of diverse groups such as Abigoba (Electro Jazz), MinK (album released in 2019), the big band DimDamDomb, and Blu Bantu.
Founder of the Absolute Gospel Festival (Rhône-Alpes, launched in 2004)—a landmark event celebrating 20 years of collective musical adventure in 2024.
A Multifaceted Artist

Sabine has also made her mark in the world of opera, collaborating with prestigious institutions like the Opéra de Lyon:

Member of the Maîtrise de l’Opéra de Lyon (2005–2010): Narrator, singer, and performer in youth-oriented productions accompanied by the Opéra’s orchestra.
Performer in Porgy and Bess (2010) and Don Carlos (2018), showcasing the breadth of her talent.
Education & Global Influence

From New York to Tokyo, across Africa and Europe, Sabine has fostered artistic collaborations worldwide. She lends her voice and expertise to choirs and large ensembles, leads major educational projects, and founded the Gospel For Life Festival, uniting over 1,000 choristers. With the Rhino Jazz Festival, she took on the challenge of directing 1,200 children from the Rive de Gier region in song.

Humanitarian & Artistic Commitment

Sabine bridges music and solidarity through the NGO Mama Africa, supporting cultural and educational initiatives for children across the African continent. Her fascination with world cultures has led her on extensive travels:

Tours across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, resulting in video recordings, unique collaborations, and meaningful encounters.
Creator of the documentary project RegArts Croisés, the Afropolitan Nomad Project, and the series L’AfroMad.
Enriching her work through albums and portrait books, documenting the diversity she encounters along the way.
Digital Tools for Education & Creativity

Driven by a desire to share and innovate, Sabine has also developed:

A blog and video channel dedicated to vocal technique, vocal health, and voice science.
Accessible online courses to spread her passion for singing to a global audience.
A Life Dedicated to Art & Connection

A photographer, videographer, and insatiable globetrotter, Sabine Kouli celebrates the richness of human encounters, cultural exchange, and the power of artistic...