Program: Fatoumata Diawara

Fatoumata Diawara
Friday, April 28, 2023
City Winery

Fatoumata Diawara—vocals and guitar 

Juan Finger—bass and keyboards 

Jurandir Da Silva Santana—guitar 

Fernando Tejero—keyboards 

Willy Ombe Monkama—drums

Fatoumata Diawara broke out in 2011 with her debut album, Fatou, which featured guest performances from legendary musicians John Paul Jones, Tony Allen, and Toumani Diabaté. The record made her the most talked about budding African artist on the planet, hailed by Pitchfork as a “beguiling album” that “simply surrounds you with its atmosphere,” while The Guardian praised it as “an enjoyable, impressive set.” Fatoumata Diawara has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in contemporary music, playing at the world-renowned Glastonbury festival, recording with Bobby Womack and Herbie Hancock, and even sharing the stage with Sir Paul McCartney. She has also continued her parallel career as an actor, including an acclaimed appearance in 2014’s Timbuktu (Le chagrin des oiseaux), which received both BAFTA and Academy Award nominations. 

Additionally, she has worked courageously as a social activist, campaigning against the trafficking and sale of black migrants in Libyan slave markets and recording the song “Djonya” (it means ‘slavery’ in Bambará) in which she restates the universal, but often sadly disregarded, truth that we all belong to the same human race regardless of color, ethnicity or religion. More recently, she brought her passion for social activism to New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall with the likes of David Crosby and Snarky Puppy in an evening of topical protest songs that stole the show, according to Rolling Stone. 

All of these fruitful experiences have, in their way, contributed to the breadth and maturity of FENFO, which received a Grammy nomination in 2020 for the Best World Music Album category. Like her debut, which crossed over to feature prominently in the ‘albums of the year’ lists in the mainstream rock press, FENFO is an album that has no borders, drawing on a range of musical influences that include traditional West African rhythms, blues, and rock. Furthermore, her subtle, poetic lyrics – sung mostly in Bambara – showcase her exceptional songwriting skills. 

"Fenfo" means "something to say" in the Bambara language, reflecting Diawara's desire to use powerful, deeply personal music to speak out on important social and political issues. The album has been praised by critics for its originality, emotional depth, and social commentary, and it has helped to establish Diawara as one of the most important voices in contemporary African music. Boldly experimental yet respectful of her roots, it’s a record that defines her as the voice of young African womanhood – proud of her heritage but with a vision that looks confidently to the future and a message that is universal.