Fatouma Diawara, who was born in Ivory Coast, is a versatile talent in various art disciplines. Her dance talent was developed early on in her father's traditional dance troupe. When she was twelve she was sent to her aunt in Mali, where she soon ended up on the film set. She developed into a famous actress of Malian feature films and musicals, including the musical television comedy Kirikou Et
… Karaba. After her emigration to Paris she also played in theater productions, she also started playing guitar and writing her own song material. She performed as a backing singer with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Youssou N'Dour and Oumou Sangaré, among others. The latter encouraged her to pursue a solo career and introduced her to the World Circuit label, which released her debut album Fatou. Diawara is a charismatic ras performer with a clear, sensual voice. Her style can be described as a fresh, light-footed Wassoulou folk style mixed with hints of pop, funk, jazz and blues. At a relaxed, rippling pace, she advocates unconditional love for children, women's emancipation and takes a stand against war and female circumcision. (SvdP)more
