During the initial years of her 10-year-long career, Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara produced music which celebrated only her African roots. She continues to be proud of her African lineage but today, her priorities have changed. Fatoumata now sings for the marginalised, oppressed and discriminated women of the world.
Fatoumata says earlier it was about connecting with Africans, especially women. “I started my career as a singer who tried to connect with the African people and sympathise with women, the worst victims of war. But I realised while performing concerts in different countries and continents that women across the world need my support and encouragement. Moreover, music is a universal language and these days I sing on behalf of global women. I use music as an instrument to bring happiness to the lives of as many women as possible,” says, Fatoumata, sitting relaxed and in a chatty mood a day before her performance at Blue Frog in New Delhi as part of Blackberrys Sharp Nights — Masters of World Music.
Though her vision has definitely broadened, Fatoumata, now living in France, introduces herself as an African woman and talks about her life before performing at concerts. She fondly recalls her growing up years in Mali. She comes from a conservative family which wanted her to get hitched to a blood relation but she put her foot down.
“In Mali, we have this strange custom of arranged marriages. We have to ask ourselves — do we have to continue this tradition? I don’t believe in this tradition and refused to get married to my cousin.”
All this was in the past. Today, her family sings hosannas of her achievements — winning accolades and hearts, globetrotting and performing before fans who irrespective of race, religious denominations, colour and nationality, love listening to her.
Two years ago, when her nation was in turmoil, the artist selected “a bunch of 60 great artists” to perform in different places where peace was disturbed. “There was war and confusion everywhere. So I asked these musicians to travel from the north to south of Mali and perform in various places. But I am apolitical.”
Music is catharsis for this musician, who feels liberated every time she comes on stage. An important aspect of Fatoumata’s concert is that she needs to strike a chord with the audience. And she has her way of doing it.
“After stepping on the stage, my first aim is to get in touch with the audience. So I convey through my eyes my melody and my interpretation of things around us. Then I introduce to them Africa, which has been through such terrible times like famine and civil war.” She is proud that she is creating awareness about socio-economic issues before music connoisseurs.
She understands that the profile of the audience has undergone a sea change globally. “Our generation is different; it isn’t like the earlier generation. These guys are on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. They are already aware of a lot of things but I sill try to open the minds of the new generation. Even though my songs are in the traditional mould, I speak to the young people.”
The musician has also forayed into films with Taafe Fangan (“The Power of Women”) and La Genese (“Genesis”). Her film Sia, The Dream of the Python made her a household name in Mali, Guinea, Senegal and Burkina Faso but Faoumata dismisses them as mere aberrations saying acting is not her cup of tea.
To read our other interview with Fatoumata Diawara > click here.
