Fatoumata Diawara
The Malian singer-songwriter reveals her biggest inspirations: “I listen to this music to get back my spirit”
NINA SIMONE
The Best Of Nina Simone PHILIPS, 1969
I love Nina Simone, she’s one of the greatest artists ever. She changed my life, because when I was a child, I had a lot of experiences that I couldn’t express. Every time that I wanted to speak out about my problems, my sufferings, it was like I didn’t have a voice. I was like, “Who could accept this voice so low, so heavy, charged by many energies?” And the answer comes from Nina Simone. When I heard her voice for the first time, I thought that it was a man, I was shocked. I really appreciated that her voice could be as it is – no fear, no trying to be somebody else, just be yourself. The way she sings, you can feel all the movement and energy inside her.