Namian Sidibé

There are fascinating clips online of a young Namian Sidibé performing on Malian TV talent show Mini Star in 2010. More recent clips show her rehearsing casually in torn jeans and without makeup. Others show her as a fully developed artist with the appearance and stage presence of an accomplished Malienne ‘diva’. She is even seen appearing on TV with highly regarded singer Naïmy Diabaté, who acted as an early mentor. This album, which was recorded at Namian Sidibé's home in 2021, comes from the label that introduced us to female Touareg group Les Filles de Illighadad. It is music of a similar intensity and intimate melancholic beauty, and the album showcases her voice backed by the simple and very confident acoustic guitar of her cousin Jules Diabaté. She has an immensely powerful and likeable voice. There is a warmth to it, less shrill than some of the better known Wassoulou singers, and it has a slightly husky edge which adds to the gravitas as she sings of heroic and historic figures. It is particularly effective in the song ‘Garaba Mama’ in which she praises a highly respected benevolent Peulh who has an enduring influence on griots and humanity in general. She also offers sage advice to her contemporaries, and sings dedications, condolences and congratulations in the fashion of Mande praise music. The stripped down acoustic format of Namian Sidibé is a perfect introduction to an artist who represents the current generation of female praise singers in Mali.