Hailed as one of the most vital standard-bearers of modern African music, Fatoumata Diawara is boldly experimental yet respectful of her roots. Her spectacular 2011 debut album made the Malian singer and guitarist the most talked about new African artist on the planet. Hers is the voice of young African womanhood—proud of her heritage but with a vision that looks confidently to the future and a message that is universal.