With award shows and their broadcasters taking fewer and fewer risks, it seems unlikely that Fatoumata Diawara’s performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards made it to American television sets. On the other hand, fewer and fewer people need to settle for only the live broadcast. You can watch the Grammy-nominated Malian artist Diawara’s semi-surprise performance right here.
Originally, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 were scheduled to perform but, as Kuti explained, due to some sort of ticket mishap, he wasn’t able to get to Los Angeles in time to rehearse or perform. Although he did get to have the red carpet entrance befitting a Grammy nominee, Diawara stepped into his performance slot.
And man, was she ever up to the task, making a soaring vocal line and chorus-laden guitar solo look effortless, all while dressed to the nines.
The Soweto Gospel Choir walked away with the Best World Music Album award, but after Diawara’s performance, I’d wager people are checking out Fenfo, her nominated album, as well. If only they could’ve seen her on national TV…
