Fatoumata Diawara, an acclaimed Malian vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, and actress, has released her new single “Massa Den” accompanied by a music video featuring French rock singer-songwriter Matthieu Chedid.
The song’s underlying message, according to Diawara, is that love should be freely given and not forced upon someone, allowing those who love each other to be together. The track is the latest addition to Diawara’s forthcoming album, “London Ko,” which will be released on May 12 by Wagram Music.
London Ko is a highly anticipated world music crossover album that exemplifies Diawara’s ability to reinvent traditional African music by blending her Mandinka heritage with Afrobeat, jazz, pop, and electronic music genres. This fusion is evident on the album’s title, which combines the names of the Western metropolis of London with that of the Malian capital, Bamako.
Collaborating with Damon Albarn, the co-producer of several tracks on the album and a featured artist on the first single, “Nsera,” Diawara explains that “London Ko symbolizes the power of expanding one’s mind and Albarn’s connection to Malian music. The neologism, which was coined by Diawara, represents an imaginary continent where Europe and Africa can come together. Despite holding on to tradition, Diawara’s music provides a prophetic vision of what Africa can achieve.
Buy London Ko.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
I stumbled upon Fatou a year ago on an Anoushka Shankar side bar. I have been a fan ever since. I am a lifetime musician and English Teacher. I have never been so taken and enchanted by by an artist so immediately. I have been fortunate enough to see her live twice in the past year. This woman is a brilliant musician and performer! Her band is always fantastic! She has a shining soul and her smile literally lights up the world! We could all use a lot more Fatou! Thank you soul sister for the positivity you share through your wonderful music!
Peace….