On Rokia Traoré s 2005 Nonesuch debut, Bowmboi, the Malian-born, European-bred singer and songwriter drew inspiration from the rich musical legacy of her homeland, but added a decidedly contemporary lyrical sensibility and a sophisticated persona. Her shaven-head look was as elegantly spare and immediately striking as the arrangements of her songs. Ali Farka Touré, the legendary Malian bluesman, had been one of her earliest champions, and European audiences eagerly embraced her.