Doumbia "sings with the raspy edge of a traditional musician and the precision of someone who knows exactly what she's after," according to The New York Times. "La Grande Canatrice Malienne" was made in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 1982, capturing the singular duality inherent in her music early on: a stripped-down, raw backdrop supported by warm sonics; feminist expressions of social issues imparted through stark refrains. The album is third in a series recorded in the early 80s near the beginning of the singer's nearly four decade career. Previously available as a long out-of-print vinyl import from Ivory Coast, The album's four songs are supported by a minimalist ensemble of guitar, piano, kamele ngoni and percussion.