Oumou Sangare

One of Mali’s most idolized musical legends, Sangare popularized Wassoulou, a popular genre of traditional music peculiar to Mali. Wassoulou is typically performed by women accompanied by traditional instruments like the Djembe drum and the Kora (a traditional African harp). Lyrics dwell on women right issues and feminism. Sangare, a United Nations Goodwill ambassador has been vocal in her advocacy against Polygamy; was named an official ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2003. Also a successful entrepreneur: In 2006 she partnered with a Chinese automobile company to create a car named after her, Oum Sang.

Source: Forbes Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa