Zap Mama Gives Voice to Women Around the World

CARE was officially introduced to Marie Daulne, founder and lead member of the musical group, Zap Mama, at Sheila Johnson’s “I Am Powerful” retreat in March 2007. Marie is concerned about issues affecting women around the world, and her music gives voice to the inherent power women have to change their world if given the opportunity.

Currently on tour (information at www.zapmama.be) in the United States, Marie recently took the time to answer a few questions for CARE:

1. How did you become involved with CARE?

CARE Norway invited me to be part of a documentary in order to express my feelings and share my impressions regarding the situation of women in our world. I’m a woman, I’m powerful and I want to help other women realize and understand how powerful we can be!!

2. You participated in CARE’s inaugural “I Am Powerful” retreat at CARE Ambassador Sheila Johnson’s farm in March – what impact did that have on you?

A big one! I realized that I am not alone! All these amazing strong women were finally together. We have to do it!

3. How has your work with CARE influenced your day-to-day life/music OR  how has your music and your views influenced your work with CARE?

Coming from an African background, I feel I understand deeply the need for cultural strength!! I’ve seen poverty. I spent time in a place of crisis. In the Western world, we have way too much stuff and we waste too much money on gadgets and unnecessary objects.

4. You have a world following and have toured all over the world – which of your songs most closely relate to your hopes for women and girls around the world?

Almost all of my albums! My first idea for the concept of Zap Mama was to put together five women from our Western culture, but without any materials or gadgets. I traveled by myself with my sister in West and Central Africa; I learned Indian songs, Arabic melody, I learned directly from Tuareg, Pygmees and Egyptians. We added a touch of humour, dance… In the show, we mix all of this together. Our first album was called “Adventures in Afropea,” and many people discovered us through that album. We mixed African lullabies, Arabic melody, European classical song, jazz like Miles Davis’ “All Blues,” English and French songs, Rumba, etc. The idea was to invite people to discover songs from all over the world! Funny voices, deep voices… I chose five women who were able to sing all that together. It was an example of solidarity between women to create positivity!

5. What does “I Am Powerful” mean to you?

It means, clearly, that you are capable to do and make and accomplish amazing things! If you want to make something happen, you just need somebody to hear you, to listen to you, and CARE can do that. I want to be connected to those women who listen to one another and are capable to help each other!!!