Nawal

Nawal (Nawal Mlanao) is a renowned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Comoros Islands, widely recognized as a "mystic pop diva" and the "Voice of Comoros". Based in France, she blends Afro-Sufi roots, Bantu polyphonies, and traditional Comorian rhythms, singing in Shikomor, French, Arabic, and English. 

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Key Facts & Biography

Origin: Born in the Comoros Islands ("Perfume Islands").

Background: Moved to France at age 11, returning to Comoros in 1985 to reconnect with her cultural roots.

Musical Style: Acoustic roots-based fusion, blending traditional Comorian sounds with Indo-Arabo-Persian influences.

Instruments: Plays guitar, traditional lute (gambusi), and percussion.

Cultural Significance: Often cited as the first Comorian woman to have a public career as a musician.

Themes: Her music focuses on peace, love, education, and unity, often performing Sufi-inspired chants.

Projects: Performs internationally, including with her group "Nawal & Les Femmes de La Lune".

Nawal is known for breaking cultural barriers as a female artist from the Comoros. 

World Music Central

(Comoros/Les Comores) Biography. Nawal originally comes from the Comoros Islands, also known as the “Perfume Islands” or “Islands of the Moon”.

A powerful singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Nawal plays guitar, gambusi (traditional).