.concert
Fatoumata Diawara
* Echoes of Empowerment

written Alban E. Smajli

 

The Kulturarena in Jena transformed into an extraordinary symphony of sounds, energy, and empowerment, hosted by none other than the vocal powerhouse, Fatoumata Diawara.

 

This Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter graces popular world music with an inspiring amalgamation of traditional and modern Saharan and West African sounds, Afropop, and Desert Blues. Her performances are much more than just music; they are powerful narratives touching upon hard-hitting issues like forced marriages, educational deficiencies, wars, and displacement.

 
KulturArena 2023 Fatoumata D Foto Christoph Worsch LE MILE

seen Christoph Worsch

 

The concert that night, however, went beyond just music. Diawara, a beacon of strength and resilience, used her platform to highlight the devastating issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), a harsh reality for many women globally.

As per UNICEF, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have experienced FGM, a culturally entrenched practice perpetuated by societal pressure, misconstrued beliefs about purity, and misinformation regarding health benefits.

 

Using her music as a potent tool for change, Diawara passionately spoke against these brutal practices, resolving to be a voice for these silenced women. The audience, moved to tears by her passionate discourse, resonated with her empathy and resolve.

Diawara also issued a strong call to action, encouraging all the women in the audience to resist discrimination and stand up for their rights. Aware that her voice has been chosen to champion the cause of women today, she amplified this sense of responsibility, inspiring attendees to join her fight against the inequities and atrocities women face.

 
 

Attired in a vibrant dress and a loosely fitting red corset adorned with several slingshots—a symbol of defiance against societal norms and oppressive traditions—Diawara commanded attention. Her headdresses, embellished with shells, and the masks used during the performance served as proud tokens of her Malian roots.

The concert was an overwhelming success. The audience, entranced, danced and sang along, riding the emotional wave that Diawara masterfully conducted. But this event was more than just entertainment—it was an act of activism, an inspiring call to arms, and a testament to the power of music to drive change. Through her soulful voice and powerful stage presence, Fatoumata Diawara proved that the voice of one can indeed become the voice of many.

 
 

credits
header image (c) Kulturarena