Fatoumata Diawara is a Grammy-nominated Malian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress born in 1982 in Ivory Coast to Malian parents, now based in France. Her music weaves Wassoulou traditions from southern Mali with Afrobeat, jazz, soul, and electronic influences, earning her a devoted international following. She first built a career in film and theatre - appearing in Timbuktu (2014) and Sia, The Dream of the Python (2001) - before her debut album Fatou (2011) launched her onto the world stage. Over three studio albums she has collaborated with Damon Albarn, Herbie Hancock, Disclosure, Paul McCartney, and Gorillaz, among others.
Fatoumata Diawara became the first woman of color to receive an Epiphone signature guitar, the Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara SG, unveiled at NAMM 2026.
Diawara's next studio album is announced for release later in 2026, following her 2023 album London Ko.
Fatoumata Diawara is currently on a world tour spanning 7 countries with 20+ upcoming concerts, including a headline show at L'Olympia in Paris in November 2026.
Diawara participated in the Lamomali Totem project with -M- (Matthieu Chedid) and Toumani Diabaté, including a live performance at the Accor Arena in Paris.
Her third studio album London Ko, co-produced with Damon Albarn, was released to critical acclaim, earning an 82 critic score on Album of the Year.
A special night of African music with world-class artists - bassist Richard Bona and vocalist Fatoumata Diawara performing together.
Concert by West African singer and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara at Munich's Muffatwerk.
Malian singer and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara brings her blend of West African tradition and contemporary sounds to Berlin's Festsaal Kreuzberg.