WOMAD

Fatoumata Diawara

From Mali

Oumou Sangare's old backing singer takes her place in the sun

Over the past 25 or so years, Malian music has dominated how Europe hears West African music. It's a stranglehold that's unlikely to change in the near future, especially when the country's musical conveyor belt continues to produce performers of the calibre of Fatoumata Diawara. Born in Cote D'Ivoire but raised in Bamako to Malian parents, Fatoumata earned her stripes as a backing singer for the mighty Oumou Sangare, an apprenticeship which drew her to the attention of Oumou's record label World Circuit, also home to other Malians like Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate and AfroCubism. But Fatoumata should by no means be overawed by the presence of such legendary label-mates. A less flamboyant performer than her former employer, she has sufficient attributes to be a legend of the future, her poise and calm presence matched by a gorgeously breathy voice. The production line keeps rolling on and Mali's neighbours simply look on in envy.

(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2011)

Fatoumata Diawara - Kanou

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