Inna Modja

Inna Bocoum, known artistically as Inna Modja, was born on May 19, 1984, in Bamako, Mali, into a Fula family as the sixth of seven children. Her unique stage name, translating to "Inna is bad" in Fulfulde, was given by her mother. Inna's musical journey began at the tender age of six when she joined a choir, inspired by her father's diverse record collection featuring legends like Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Influenced by her siblings' eclectic tastes in genres ranging from Thrash Punk to Blues, she developed a rich musical palette.

Her career took a significant turn when she was invited by renowned musician Salif Keita to join the Rail Band of Bamako, where she honed her skills in Bossa Nova and Jazz. Inna Modja has become an advocate for women's rights, speaking out against female genital mutilation—an issue she personally faced—and addressing violence against women in her music, such as in the impactful video for "La Valse de Marylore."

In 2009, she released her debut album, "Everyday is a New World," featuring the single "Mister H." Her 2011 hit "French Cancan (Monsieur Sainte Nitouche)" soared to No. 4 on the SNEP French Singles Chart, solidifying her place in the music industry. Subsequent singles like "La Fille du Lido" and "I Am Smiling" further showcased her talent. Inna's contributions to charity and her participation in cultural projects, such as Alain Chamfort's album and the 2018 re-imagining of Claude Bolling's Les Parisiennes, highlight her commitment to social causes and her artistic versatility.