From The Shores Of Mali

Grammy-nominated musician Fatoumata Diawara’s debut performance in India is slated for this month at Lollapalooza, and here’s what is on her mind

- PRATIKSHA ACHARYA

GRAZIA: How does your heritage influence your music? 

FATOUMATA DIAWARA: It greatly influences my music because when I was in Mali, the music I listened to was very traditional. The same way that music is so typical in India. However, travelling and collaborating with other artists changed my vision of music. So I'm trying to adapt myself musically, and it's incredible.

G: How was it collaborating with Damon Albarn on your new album, London Ko?

FD: That's something that I'm used to. I like to collaborate. It's like opening my soul to people and connecting with good people. It's the only choice. It's very good for an artist to be open-minded and with no fear. We've been working together for many years, and Damon is my spiritual brother. He's always inviting me to different projects, vastly different. And I'm always there. And it's also the fact that I sing in Bambara that brings something new to a song. Bambara is the national language of Mali and a very important language with a bold accent.