Launch of the new United Souls wrestling figure: Aoua Keïta

At the house of United Souls , each new figure of struggle is a celebration: an ode to commitment, resilience, and the fight for human emancipation. Today, we have the immense honor of introducing into our collection the figure of Aoua Keïta, a pioneer of women's activism in Africa.

A biographical tribute by Amzat Boukari-Yabara

As usual, this new figure is accompanied by a biographical text written by the historian Amzat Boukari-Yabara , whose fraternal collaboration nourishes the artistic and human approach of United Souls. Her work highlights the exceptional career of Aoua Keïta: trade unionist, anti-colonialist activist and the first woman elected as a member of parliament in her country, Mali, in 1959.

Aoua Keïta symbolizes the unshakeable conviction that politics and social struggles are not reserved for men. His autobiography, Women of Africa , bears witness to this commitment and remains a timeless source of inspiration for all generations.

The birth of a new figure: a committed approach

At United Souls, the choice of a wrestling figure is not the result of commercial calculation or opportunism surrounding popular figures. Our goal is clear: use the unifying force of the brand to circulate the iconography of figures of struggle that History tends to marginalize.

Aoua Keïta's choice came naturally after a sincere exchange with MP François Piquemal , a fervent admirer of the activist. One night, François sent me a simple but powerful message:

“I would be so proud to wear Aoua Keïta on my body.”

This message resonated as a call to honor this exceptional woman, a symbol of a Mali resisting neocolonialism and the struggle for its sovereignty. Although we initially considered Modibo Keïta, the father of Mali's independence, the choice of Aoua Keïta was obvious, not only to fulfill this wish, but also to contribute to the balance of our collection, where female figures deserve broader representation.

A portrait signed Afi Kodjobi Tchoukpa

To create the portrait of Aoua Keïta, we called on the committed artist Afi Kodjobi Tchoukpa , whose work explores with depth and poetry the role of women in our modern societies.

Afi Kodjobi Tchoukpa has already distinguished herself in our collection with the portrait of Wangari Maathai Muti , and her current exhibition, WOMEN WHO TELL US – Afropean Stories pays tribute to these women activists, journalists, directors, authors, and philosophers, who are building the contemporary history of Black and mixed-race peoples. Afi's talent for capturing the soul of female figures proved indispensable in paying tribute to Aoua Keïta.

Why Aoua Keïta today?

In a context where Mali is struggling against the imperialism of neocolonialism and external pressures that exploit its resources and weaken its stability, Aoua Keïta embodies a timeless figure of resistance. His voice reminds us of the importance of collective commitment to sovereignty and social justice.

By including Aoua Keïta in the United Souls collection, we wish to bring his legacy to life in the public sphere, paying tribute to his fundamental role in the history of Mali and Africa, while inspiring present and future generations.

United Souls , through its creations, continues to celebrate figures of struggle, their commitment and their humanity, thus offering a bridge between memory, art and social action.

Available in our collection: the portrait of Aoua Keïta, an unforgettable figure in the United Souls Pantheon.