Malian Singer Fatoumata Diawara

Just a few months shy of 30, Fatoumata Diawara has walked a rebellious path. Born to Malian parents in Ivory Coast, she was sent to live with an aunt in Bamako who was supposed to send her to school.
But that aunt was an actress, and soon Fatoumata was appearing on stage and in films, including the award-winning gender comedy “Taafe Fanga,” or Skirt Power, when she was just 14.
Ten years later, she struck off on her own to Paris, whose musical diversity opened her ears. Reporter Alexa Dvorson profiles Malian Singer Fatoumata Diawara.