Fatoumata Diawara Presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures

Combining thrilling vocals with deft guitar work and a flair for fashion, Fatoumata Diawara is a musical sensation out of West Africa. Singing in Bambara, the language of her native Mali, along with French and English, Diawara delivers biting social commentary and plays stinging electric guitar solos that ride on her band’s sinuous funk-influenced beats. Her latest album, London Ko, was produced by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and reflects a boldly eclectic approach that remains firmly rooted in her heritage.