Transatlantic meeting between Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara and Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca.

The Cuban pianist and the Malian singer have a lot in common: their youth, enthusiasm, generosity and a beautiful route through the exploration of their roots, while projecting themselves towards other cultures. At the beginning of your adventure you will continue on the great stages of the world, these selected pieces are a beautiful symbol; Beyond a musical encounter that sweeps across geographical and musical continents, one feels the most beautiful messages: one of tolerance and peace.

1. Sowa 6:54 

2. Connection 14:01 

3. Yemaya 6:08 

4. Real Family 6:38 

5. Clandestin 7:41 

6. Neboufo 6:36

Born in the Ivory Coast to Malian parents, Diawara moved to France to pursue acting, appearing in Cheick Oumar Sissoko's 1999 feature film La Genèse, Dani Kouyaté's popular 2001 film Sia, le rêve du python, in the internationally renowned street theatre troupe Royal Deluxe, and played a leading role in the musical Kirikou et Karaba. 

She later took up the guitar and began composing her own material, writing songs that blend Wassalou traditions of Southern Mali with international influences. Noted for her distinct "sensuous voice," she has performed and recorded with Oumou Sangaré, AfroCubism, Dee Dee Bridgewater (on Red Earth: A Malian Journey), and the Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou. 

Her new EP was released May 9, 2011 and her debut album Fatou with World Circuit Records was released in September 2011. 

I saw her concert live yesterday.