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Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara has collaborated with international superstar musicians such as Damon Albarn, Paul McCartney and Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca alongside her successful career as an actress. Beyond her critical and popular success, her music engages with social issues such as women’s rights, the treatment of migrants and human trafficking. Fatoumata’s most recent album ‘Fenfo’ translates from Bambara as ‘Something to Say’. Fatoumata tells Nawal why she’s chosen to be a voice for the voiceless.

With sold out shows in London, Amsterdam and Nepal, an opera about sex workers, made by sex workers is addressing clichés and tackling stigmas through performance. The Sex Workers Opera aims to portray the reality of their lives without glamourizing it or victimising those involved. Our reporter Constanza Hola speaks to the co-director Alex Etchart and some of the performers about the project.

Armenian-American musician Serj Tankian from the award-winning heavy metal band, System of a Down talks to Nawal about his music and political activism. A new film, Truth to Power charts Serj’s continuing efforts to speak up on behalf of the Armenian people and explores how rock music can be a unique mechanism for rebellion.

Plus: has a book, film or song inspired you to take a certain path in life? The British rock singer Skin from band Skunk Anansie reveals how an unforgettable play influenced her music.

Presenter: Nawal Al-Maghafi

(Photo: Fatoumata Diawara. Credit: Aida Muluneh)