Awa Maïga, also known as "the old mother," is a singer and backing vocalist from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Throughout the 1980s, Awa collaborated with several musicians across a range of genres, including zouglou, coupé-décalé, and afro-pop, and has been featured on albums by numerous artists, including Salif Keita and Cesaria Evora. In the 1990s, Awa started her solo career, drawing inspiration from François Lougah and releasing her debut album, "Elouwo," in the afro-zouk style.