Fatala," a 13-track album, transcends the ordinary, standing as a significant reflection of contemporary challenges. It delves into the complexities of national unity, social cohesion, migration, and gender-based violence, offering not just melodies but messages of resilience and healing. "Fatala" (Turban) captures the stark realities of Northern Mali since the 2012 crisis. Through its tracks, Fub-Family articulates the struggles of the marginalized northern communities, giving voice to their experiences and aspirations.
The turban, known as 'Fatala' in the Songhoy culture, serves multifaceted roles. Beyond its ancestral roots, it is a shield against the elements and a mark of wisdom, maturity, and societal responsibility. In the album 'Fatala,' the Malian rap duo delves into themes of cultural preservation and enlightenment. They weave a narrative in the album's introduction that resonates throughout its tracks. Standout songs include 'Mali Meilleur,' proposing innovative ideas for Mali's progress, and 'Aventure,' imparting guidance to the younger generation. 'Ma génération' offers a reflective critique and wisdom to contemporary youth, while 'Hangar' demonstrates the duo's mastery of rap.
Already the author of a first mixtape entitled Alaabina (mysteries) in Sonhraï in 2020, Fub-Family has proudly represented Bourem Ifoghas, the city of wild date palms of Northern Mali at major festivals, including the hip-hop festival by rapper Master Soumy.
'I am a rapper but also a craftsman. I specialize in jewelry making and various other trades. We use music as a catalyst for peace in a world devastated by hatred, jealousy, and killings. Music is our weapon of choice. Through it, we raise awareness, and today it is proving successful. Our rap is conscious because our society needs people who speak loudly about what others only whisper. We are familiar with the problems of our society: drought, desertification, hunger, thirst, lack of education, prostitution, poverty, poor governance, kidnappings, and assassinations. We must confront these issues as they are a sad reality we face every day. We have taken it upon ourselves to denounce everything that is wrong and to hold our leaders and community accountable. Someone has to talk about it,' confides Oumar Boua Diarra, known as HPS (Handicapé Sniper), the leader of the group Fub-Family.
Traveling from Gao to Bamako, and through Timbuktu, Koulikoro, and Kati, HPS and Diangou have formed connections with diverse communities, adapting to different styles. Mister Djankou speaks about the transformative role of music in their lives: 'Music has been an incredible force, beyond what words can capture. It has opened doors for us to travel, discover, and participate in festivals across Bourem, Bamako, and Timbuktu. It has broadened our horizons, showing us lives different from our own and our neighbors'. The support of Instruments 4 Africa (i4A) has been pivotal; it led us to share stages with artists like Songhoy Blues and to collaborate with Galedou Master Soumy, an international rapper who uplifts Mali. Our recognition in concerts and tours is largely due to i4A, an organization that saw our potential and helped us fulfill our dreams.
'Fatala', a 13-track album, transcends being just a collection of songs; it stands as a vibrant and poignant testimony of our era. Evoking themes deeply rooted in our society, such as national unity, social cohesion, migration, and gender-based violence, the album carries a message of hope and reconciliation."
The turban, known as 'Fatala' in the Songhoy culture, serves multifaceted roles. Beyond its ancestral roots, it is a shield against the elements and a mark of wisdom, maturity, and societal responsibility. In the album 'Fatala,' the Malian rap duo delves into themes of cultural preservation and enlightenment. They weave a narrative in the album's introduction that resonates throughout its tracks. Standout songs include 'Mali Meilleur,' proposing innovative ideas for Mali's progress, and 'Aventure,' imparting guidance to the younger generation. 'Ma génération' offers a reflective critique and wisdom to contemporary youth, while 'Hangar' demonstrates the duo's mastery of rap.
This generation stands at a crossroads, hindered by educational stagnation, a growing indifference among youth, and the allure of stimulants and a digital life that favors the virtual over the real. This has bred a culture detached from its legacy and responsibilities. 'Fatala' underscores the message that the path to a rejuvenated Mali lies in self-initiative and internal transformation.
FUB-FAMILY (the family of united brothers from Bourem) is a rap group formed in 2014 in Bourem, Gao, in the North of Mali.
The group consists of two members: Mister Diankou (Djingarey Ibrahim) and HPS (Oumar Boi Diarra). Fub-Family has become the voice of the voiceless for the vulnerable populations of northern Mali, whose lives have been greatly disrupted by war and insecurity....more
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