Grammy-nominated Fatoumata Diawara takes risks in music and in life
Fatoumata Diawara has performed with her fair share of iconic singers in her critically acclaimed career, from Paul McCartney to Herbie Hancock and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
But the Malian singer-songwriter is making a name for herself. Diawara received two Grammy Award nominations: the first for Best World Music Album for her latest release “Fenfo” and Best Dance Recording for “Ultimatum,” from the electronic duo Disclosure who sampled Diawara’s voice.
She also took the stage for a pre-Grammy Awards performance.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” Diawara says during a telephone interview from Italy. “It was a great honor to be nominated for the Grammys.”
Seven years have passed between Diawara’s debut album and “Fenfo.”
“I eventually was able to find the time to make another one,” Diawara says. “Time passes quickly when you’re busy.”
Diawara will perform March 26 at Motorco Music Hall, part of Duke Performances Black Atlantic series.
Not only has she been busy touring, writing and recording, she also gave birth to a son, which inspired the song “Mama.”
“There is nothing like motherhood,” Diawara says. “The song means so much to me. It’s something that had to be on the album so I could share with people my experience, which is the most important part of my life, which is my child. My life was very different as a child than his will be. I didn’t grow up with my parents. ‘Mom’ was not a word that I used. There is nothing like singing the word ‘Mama.’”
Diawara sings “Mama” and the rest of “Fenfo” with passion.
“When it comes to music I do what I want,” Diawara says. “I’ll take the necessary chances.”
That’s consistent with how Diawara has lived her life. When she was 19, she defied her parents and left Africa and an arranged marriage to join a French Theater company.
“You have to do what is best for you,” Diawara says. “I wasn’t going to live the life someone else wanted for me. I had to do what was best for me. I can’t imagine how unhappy I would be if I didn’t follow my heart.”
Unlike some African musicians and athletes, who have left for the United States and Europe, Diawara returned to her homeland. She lives in Mali.
“I love being in Bamako,” Diawara says. “I’m open with all of the people who live there. I’ve had great fortune and it’s my responsibility to share what I know with people and let them know of the kind of life they can have if they are willing to pursue their dreams.”
Diawara and her music are connected, her songs about family and building a better world.
“I’m interested in singing about things that matter,” Diawara says. “I don’t want to just sing about anything. I’m about singing to change the world.”Details
Who: Fatoumata Diawara, presented by Duke Performances
When: March 26, 8 p.m.
Where: Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave., Durham
Tickets: $25. $10 for Duke students.
This story was originally published March 21, 2019 at 3:35 PM.