For now, no, because I take time to write things. I like to be direct, but very honest. That type of writing. People can feel that it's a done in a v… - Fatoumata Diawara

South Africa is so deeply rooted in history. You can't talk about South Africa without mentioning its history, culture, and great artists like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Busi Mhlongo, etc.

This project means a lot to me. To be involved in the protection of the Timbuktu Manuscripts is a huge honor. Conditions for men and women in Mali are very different, and for a woman to be involved in this cultural preservation is very important. It is unbelievable to be a part of it and it feels like a dream. I’m so proud and so happy.I’m very in touch with my ancestral past. Many of the visuals and ideas I use come to me in my dreams, dreams about my ancestors. To be given a chance to help protect our ancestral and cultural legacy is so special to me.

Looking at the new generation of African artists, many of them get trapped early on in styles that aren’t theirs, and that limits them. At this rate, I worry about the future of African music, and that in the future, there won’t be many singers who represent the African woman.