UVM’s Lane Series and the Flynn Center will co-present Fatoumata “Fatou” Diawara, performing her energetic Afro-pop music at the Flynn MainStage on Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. As a singer-songwriter, Diawara spins lyrics of love, politics and empowerment into high-energy jazz, funk and joyous folk-rock, with the rhythms, melodies and dance of her native West Africa.  

This performance is presented in association with the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and the UVM President's Initiative for Diversity. Tickets for UVM faculty, staff and students are available in person at the FlynnTix regional box office window at 153 Main Street, Burlington for $10, with the presentation of ID. (Tickets are otherwise $15 to $40.)

A pre-concert talk with Damascus Kafumbe, assistant professor of ethnomusicology, world music, and African music/dance performance at Middlebury College, will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Flynn Gallery.

Hear a sample of Diawara’s sound and read her dramatic biography, from popular child performer in her father’s didadi dance troupe to acting the classical Greek role of Antigone on stage in Paris, her daring escape from an unwanted marriage in Mali to becoming a dynamic musician playing sold-out venues worldwide.