Fatoumata Diawara

The queen of Afro-pop blends jazz and hip-hop elements with sassy Afrobeats.

Fatoumata Diawara is rightly described as a ‘global pop superstar’ and is regarded as one of the most significant voices in contemporary African music. She grew up between the Ivory Coast and Mali and now divides her time between Bamako and Europe.

Musically, Fatoumata Diawara blends traditional sounds of Mandé culture with Afrobeat, blues, folk, jazz and pop. Her distinctive guitar playing and charismatic stage presence define her concerts. Live, it becomes clear once again how she uniquely blends tradition and modernity.

And the artist is back on tour! With a new, fourth album under her belt. Her second album, Fenfo – Something to Say (3ème Bureau / Wagram Music, 2018), was nominated for a Grammy at the time and won numerous awards. This autumn/winter, Fatoumata Diawara is on the road with MASSA (Nø Førmat!, 2026). The album explores motherhood, faith, memory and resilience, skilfully bridging gaps both thematically and musically. As the label so aptly puts it: “Both rooted and forward-looking.”