Fatoumata Diawara is a luminous artist of Malian origin! She breathes sunshine and despite a very difficult childhood, has been able to impose her musical qualities in order to be recognized throughout the world.
Last year she performed at the Cognac Blues Passions during a colorful and rhythmic performance. Before his concert at the Rock of Palmer, she agreed to receive our columnist Diego for Luxe Infinity under the photographic gaze of Alexia.
Diego : What memories do you have of your time at the Cognac Blues Passions festival in 2024, which I was lucky enough to attend?
Fatoumata : A great way to look at it! Every concert is a unique experience, and the energy of the audience and the atmosphere of the venue all contribute to making it a special moment. Cognac has a reputation for warm hospitality, and those memories are dear to my heart. A great time!
Diego : Completely agree, public view! The town of Cognac is near Bordeaux and you come back with Matthieu Chedid for "Lanomali 2" in June 2025! An omnipresent Fatoumata in the southwest! For beginners, what is Wassoulou folk?
Fatoumata : It's a beautiful musical evolution for me! The Malian tradition is already incredibly rich in rhythms and melodies, and mixing it with folk, rock or reggae must give a powerful and unique result. This is the goal of my approach and my early acoustic music has moved on to something else with this third album. Wassoulou summarizes all these influences.
Diego : Besides, what do collaborations with big names like (among others) bring? Dee Dee BridgewaterMore, Damon Albarn et Bobby womack ?
Fatoumata : It brings a different perspective and these encounters are incredible! There's a certain magic in these interviews that seem "scripted," where the connection goes beyond simple music to become a true human adventure. It's true that alchemy can't be ordered, and when it's there, it's a gift that must be cultivated. If the connection doesn't flow, there's no point in insisting.
Diego : On the other hand, the singer of Blur appears very partially in the clip of " Nsera » on which you collaborated!
Fatoumata : Yes, but it's a real privilege to have him! If he makes an exception for me after 40 years of career, it proves how special our connection is. It's also a beautiful symbol: his choice to appear in person (even furtively) shows that this project has a special meaning for him. The video was shot in Los Angeles during a tour of Gorillaz and the director wanted to emphasize the fact that Damon was my guest and not the other way around! Basically, he hates appearing in his music videos.
Diego : More seriously, are you still as involved in defending children and women?
Fatoumata : It's a beautiful philosophy and a powerful message. My music, full of emotion and hope, must deeply touch those who listen to it. Transforming pain into art, into positive energy, is a real strength. Do I often integrate this idea into my lyrics or rather into the general atmosphere of my music? Yes, because it allows me to move forward and it is unfortunately thanks to my youthful experiences.
Diego : In the video for “Seguen” from your latest album “London Ko,” is there a message for women?
Fatoumata : Of course! It's an essential and committed approach. Music has enormous power to raise awareness and convey messages. My leitmotif is to defend battered, abused, and oppressed women, whether they live in Mali or elsewhere in the world. The West is relatively spared, but that's not the case everywhere! The video "Seguen," which means "intolerance," relates this, both in the text and in the images.
Diego : Who motivated the other between Matthieu Chedid and you for the new project “Lanomali 2”?
Fatoumata : Both! After Covid, we missed each other and following a series of concerts with Matthieu at the Zénith in Paris, he felt we didn't have time to enjoy each other. Two live songs is too short to fully appreciate the moment! During a dinner, we agreed that we had to go back on the road and therefore, create a new project together.
In this sequel to "Lanomali," there will be more maturity! We know each other much better than in 2017, we have evolved musically thanks to the many collaborations on both sides.
Diego : Very lucky to be surrounded by talented men?
Fatoumata : That's true. Matthieu Chedid and Damon Albarn will always have a different place in my collaborations. In addition, I have total musical freedom, and this independence is essential.
Diego : What are the 5 best minutes of your life?
Fatoumata : It's not the births of my children because I didn't experience them well! I would say the first minutes of the concerts I give every evening. Emotion, tears and joy are all there.
Diego : Besides music, are there other art forms that you cultivate?
Fatoumata : Yes, sewing! I love sewing because it relaxes me.
Diego : Do you have a ritual before going on stage?
Fatoumata : Yes, I implore my ancestors to accompany me by saying a prayer. I give them water and wine.
Diego : Finally, what are your best concerts that you have experienced as a spectator?
Fatoumata : The first time I saw Matthieu Chedid with his guitar on stage… wow! Same for Gorillaz! They are both powerful.
Diego : Thank you Fatoumata, see you soon for the “Lanomali 2” tour!
Fatoumata : Yes, see you soon. Thank you!
Diego OnTheRocks
Photos: Alexia @troubleshooteur
