Triumphant after a successful Spring tour, and receiving the 2011 Tamani D’Or Award (Mali’s highest musical honor), Khaira Arby will make a stateside encore for a national tour of the US coming up in July.

This time, backed by conventional western instruments, Arby creates extraordinarily unconventional music on stage.  Her presence at SXSW could not be ignored:  featured in showcases for NPR, National Geographic Music, The Fader Fort, and All Music is World Music, her evolution as an international performer has rendered her relevant among today's top indie artists, yet she maintains her richness in ancient African tradition.  Check out some more information about Khaira Arby and hear some audio samples here.