Fati Mariko

Fatimata Gandigui Mariko, better known as Fati Mariko (born 1964), is a Nigerien singer. Her first hit record was as the singer for the band Marhaba.

Life

Mariko received her education in Niamey and Bougouni and developed her typing skills before becoming a musician. Her hit song "Djana-Djana", produced with the group Marhaba and released in 1986, brought her first fame. Mariko has sustained her career as a singer for many decades, sometimes partnering with male stars and hip-hop groups in her productions. Her music is mainly derived from Zarma-Songhay ritual and folk music.[1] She is known for combining tradition with modern influences.[2] One of her songs was a suggestion by a local hospital. It was written about Niamey's National Hospital and the song invites people to support the "Hôpital".[3]

She sings in French and in various native languages of Niger, including Hausa, Djerma, and Fula.[4] Her albums include Issa Haro and Inch Allah.[3]

In 2024 she was employed by the Italian embassy in Niger to help them celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Keita project which is an Italian-Nigerian cooperation. Mariko sang in French but with a number of songs well known in Italian.[2]

References

  1. ^ Abdourahmane Idrissa; Samuel Decalo (1 June 2012). Historical Dictionary of Niger. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-7090-1.
  2. ^ a b "40ème anniversaire du Projet Keita : Un concert de Fati Mariko pour célébrer la coopération Italo-Nigérienne – Le Sahel" (in French). Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  3. ^ a b "Four Women Musicians from Niger". africasacountry.com. 2025-07-18. Archived from the original on 2025-06-10. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  4. ^ NStars. "Fati Mariko". Archived from the original on 23 February 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
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