Malian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor Fatoumata Diawara is a multiple Grammy Award nominee, currently living in Paris. "Fatou" Diawara has become an enthusiastic collaborator - with musicians from other African countries - Cheikh Lô, AfroCubism, and Orchestra Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou - as well as rock stars like Damon Albarn and Flea and traditional players from Cuba and Brittany. She has also worked as a social activist, campaigning against the trafficking and sale of black migrants in Libyan slave markets.

On her most recent, Fenfo (“Something to Say”), electric guitar riffs combine with the strings of the kora and kamel ngoni and drum kit combines with the timeless rhythms of traditional percussion. The record was co-produced by French auteur Matthieu Chedid aka M, who plays guitar and organ, and the versatile cellist Vincent Segal is a guest on a few tracks. Fatoumata Diawara shares the fruits of her latest musical adventures, in-studio. - Caryn Havlik

Watch the session here: