At first, it didn't look as if Fatoumata Diawara would become a singer. She left her parents' home in Mali at an early age to pursue an acting career in France. She performed in theaters and had roles in several films, but her true passion was for musicals. As a result, she began to focus more and more on composing her own music. The basic component of Diawara's music is the traditional sound of her birthplace blended with international influences. Today, she can no longer be seen on the theatrical stage in Ivory Coast (where she now lives) but she is a rising star on the music scene. Uncut Magazine listed her debut album Fatou (2011) among the top-50 albums of that year. This year, the 29-year-old singer with a warm voice is making her debut at the North Sea Jazz Festival. A must-see for all those who love sultry African rhythms.
