MALIAN singer, songwriter and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara’s new album, Massa, has just hit the streets and will be the centre piece of her non-stop global tour which will run until April 2027.  

Fatoumata first came to the notice of British global music fans as a member of Albarn’s African Express visit to Mali in 2006, and then the train tour which toured Britain playing pop-up gigs in small towns and factories in 2012. It was Albarn’s public response to Bob Geldof’s 2005 Live 8 global concerts aimed at helping African nations but which featured, originally, just one African artist.

“That was was one of the most beautiful musical experiences of my life,” she recounted. “Travelling across the UK by train with musicians from different countries and backgrounds created a very special energy. We were constantly sharing ideas, improvising, learning from each other and making music together in a very natural way. What I loved most was the spirit of exchange.

“There were no borders between genres, cultures or generations. Everyone was there to share music and humanity together. That spirit has stayed with me ever since.”

Since then she has released a number of acclaimed albums, notably 2011’s Fatou for World Circuit, and her 2023 outing, London Ko, for Wagram Music.

Fatoumata grew up in Mali and in France. She recalls being surrounded by music in Mali. “Music was everywhere, in ceremonies, in the streets, in family gatherings. I was deeply influenced by traditional Wassoulou music and by the voices of women singers who used music to speak about society, women’s lives and freedom.

“Artists like Oumou Sangare had a big impact on me, as well as Salif Keita and Ali Farka Toure. Later, when I moved to France, my world opened even more. I discovered jazz, rock, blues and many different cultures through music.

“Ali Farka Toure was a very important influence because of the emotion and spirituality in his guitar playing. I was also inspired by the sound of desert blues and traditional Malian guitar music. Outside of Mali, I admired Jimi Hendrix for his freedom and energy on stage.”

What about the time, in 2012, when music was banned in Mali and radio stations and recording studios destroyed?

“That affected me very deeply. In Mali, music is not just entertainment; it is part of our history, our traditions and our identity. During the crisis in the north of Mali, when extremists banned music and destroyed cultural places, it was very painful for all of us. It felt like they were trying to silence the soul of our culture.

“It made me realise even more how important music is for peace, memory and freedom. It also gave me a stronger desire to use my voice to speak about unity, women’s rights and hope. Even in difficult times, music helps people stay connected to each other and to their humanity.”

The album’s roots are in west African music, making her one of the most vital voices on the African music scene, blending her Malian musical heritage with exuberant Western rock and pop sounds. But she doesn’t want to look back. Rather, she says, she will continue “to highlight the problems surrounding us: polygamous families, the breakdown of relationships due to hypocrisy and lies, as well as songs about motherhood and resilience and a tribute to her late father.”

We have six copies of Massa to give away to Morning Star readers who correctly answer the following question: Which Brit Pop band did Albarn front in the 1990s? Please send the answer, along with your name and postal address, to competitions@peoples-press.com.

Massa is released by No Format, on CD, vinyl and download.
Fatoumata Diawara will play Liverpool’s Africa Oye festival on June 26; London’s Roundhouse on November 18 as part of the London Jazz Festival. For more information see: fatoumatadiawara.com 
Fatoumata Diawara will also participate in Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz, who are playing Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20. For more information see: gorillaz.com