FATOUMATA DIAWARA - Massa

Sahel without peace, now more than ever. The thought alone stirs up real anger, but Europe should be angry with itself first and foremost. The triumvirate of military juntas ruling Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, backed by a useless and damaging Russian presence, is the mirror of an international failure. The most merciless picture comes precisely from Bamako, with the recent joint attack by jihadists and Tuareg separatists that brings down a warlord who is frankly indefensible, especially in his arrogant contempt for democracy in the name of a confused, if legitimate, anti-Western sentiment.

Heir to glorious empires and a treasure chest of priceless cultural riches, Mali nonetheless remains one of the continent's musical lungs. In the same months that a beautiful reissue celebrates the twentieth anniversary of "Savane", the invaluable testament of Ali Farka Touré, one of his most talented disciples makes herself heard again. Contagious grit and style to spare, Fatoumata Diawara is one of the wonders of contemporary music, and with this "Massa" she sends home a powerful message of unity and hope. Sung in her native Bambara, steeped in every note with hypnotic wassoulou magic, it once again proves the performer's class, aided by a signature guitar specially crafted for her by Epiphone.

Whether celebrating the joys of motherhood or working through grief over the loss of her father, leaping into the funk of "Mogo" or settling into the folk of "Sigue", between the pianistic meditation of "Lahidou" and the proud tishoumaren of the title track, Fatoumata excels across the board, reaching her peak in the moving acoustic watercolor of "Djo". After the red of "Fenfo" and the yellow of "London Ko", this time blue clearly dominates, with the sumptuous video for "Djanne" confirming her as a master of black pop art à-la Janelle Monáe.

An unrivalled goddess at blending sensuality and spirituality, a nomadic soul that belongs only to herself, Fatoumata gives us yet another proof of her artistic stature, stitching back together, at least in our hearts, the fragments of a torn country.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google

13/06/2026