Fatoumata Diawara – Fatou

Their debut album brings a new great talent to the sound - with a series of beautiful, self-written songs. Sovereign and elegant, with an engaging smile, Diawara blends elements of jazz and folk into an exquisite contemporary folk sound. She breaks up the rocky rhythms and rich melodies of her Wassoulou tradition with an instinctive pop sensitivity. At the centre of her art are her warm, touching voice, sparse and rhythmic guitar playing and the breathtakingly melodic songs.

Damon Albarn, Toumani Diabaté, Herbie Hanckock and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin are among those who have already succumbed to Diawara's musical magic. She herself has been present at shows of Africa Express and Afro Cubism and has participated in Hancock's project "Imagine". Her debut, however, is almost entirely her own work.

"Seldom have protest, groove and beauty gone so well together." (Good Times, October / November 2011)

"...a voice that knows how to touch." (Journal Frankfurt, September 2011)

"Great recommendation" (Glitterhouse, October 11)

"...a soft hammer from the first impression." (sound-and-image. de, September 11)