Dobet Gnahoré kicked off the 24th Festival Nuits D’Afrique in fine form last night. Literally.
 
Propelling herself into mid-air, spinning on the floor like a breakdancer, and gyrating torso muscles you didn’t know existed, Gnahoré demonstrated the breadth of her talents, which are deeply rooted in the traditions of Africa.
 
Then there’s her voice. Deep and robust, it seems to emanate from within her soul, from an ancient place connected to shamans and tribesmen who came before.
 
Gnahoré is clearly comfortable in her own skin. A well-seasoned performer, her experience as an entertainer is a pleasure to behold as she moves between instruments and styles with fluidity and grace.
 
At age 12,...