Fatoumata Diawara releases new album 'Massa' and signs Gibson Epiphone deal
Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara unveiled her album 'Massa' through Nø Førmat! / IDOL / Indigo. This work delves into the complexities of her dual roles as an artist and a mother, addresses societal challenges, and pays homage to her deceased father. Under the guidance of Matthieu Chedid, Diawara fuses Afrobeat, jazz, and Mandinka rhythms. The album's lead single, 'Djanne,' focuses on the plight of migrants. Diawara's journey began in her father's dance troupe and included a role in 'Sia – Der Traum der Python' (2001). After escaping a forced marriage, she joined Royal de Luxe Compagnie. Her first album, 'Fatou' (2011), blended Wassoulou traditions with funk. Collaborating with Damon Albarn, she is set to tour in 2025 and 2026.
Key facts
- Fatoumata Diawara released album 'Massa' on Nø Førmat! / IDOL / Indigo.
- Album is her most personal and introspective work, addressing balance as artist/mother and societal issues.
- Artistic direction by Matthieu Chedid (alias -M-).
- Lead single 'Djanne' is about leaving home while keeping roots.
- Diawara's career began in father's dance troupe; starred in 2001 film 'Sia – Der Traum der Python'.
- Fled forced marriage, spent six years with Royal de Luxe Compagnie.
- Played witch Karaba in 2007 musical 'Kiriku and the Sorceress'.
- Encouraged by Rokia Traoré to learn guitar; debut album 'Fatou' in 2011.
- United 40 Malian artists for 2013 'Mali-Ko' peace project.
- Album 'Fenfo' (2018) earned Grammy and Victoire nominations.
- Collaborated with Damon Albarn since 2012, including Gorillaz track 'Désolé' (2020).
- In 2025, rejoined Lamomali collective.
- In January 2026, became first Black woman to sign Gibson Epiphone signature guitar deal.
- Tour dates in 2026 include Gent, St. Gallen, Rotterdam, Munich, Bern, Zurich, Echternach, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam.
Entities
Artists
- Fatoumata Diawara
- Matthieu Chedid
- Damon Albarn
- Rokia Traoré
- Dani Kouyaté
- Jean-Luc Courcoult
- Michel Ocelot
- Angie Stone
- Roberto Fonseca
- -M-
- Sonia Patricelli
Institutions
- Nø Førmat!
- IDOL
- Indigo
- Royal de Luxe Compagnie
- Gibson Epiphone
- Lamomali
- Africa Express
- Gorillaz
- France 24
Locations
- Mali
- Paris
- France
- Gent
- Belgium
- St. Gallen
- Switzerland
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- Munich
- Germany
- Bern
- Zurich
- Echternach
- Luxembourg
- Berlin
- Brussels
- Amsterdam