Mariama Jalloh to play Germany's Africa Festival

Her appearance at the festival in Wurzburg makes her the latest African act in a line that also has Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Youssou N'Dour and Habib Koite. The first edition of the festival took place in 1989 and has become the largest and oldest festival catering to music and culture from the continent in Europe. 

“It's a really important festival for this kind of music. It's a platform for us to present ourselves and for people to come together,” Mariama told a German publication, adding that, “it's basically a sort of musical history that has taken place there.”

Also performing at the event this year are Sidiki Diabate, Fatoumata Diawara, Alpha Blondy, Gangbe Brass Band, Alsarah and the Nubatones and others. 

Although now based in Europe, Mariama has kept in touch with the continent of her birth. In 2016, she was invited to Afropolitan Vibes concert the co-producer Ade Bantu, with whom she has collaborated in the past. She joined Nigerian acts Olu Maintain, Terry G and May D at the popular Lagos concert.

Now living in Paris, she says still that she thinks of Freetown as home as well. "I have family there and it somehow always tugs at my heart."

Ahead of her forthcoming album Love, Sweat and Tears, Mariama has released the new single 'Raindrop', which, she says, "belongs to the tears part of the album. The song describes a state of confusion, loneliness, sadness, but in the midst of these dark feelings, there is always a voice that speaks to us – pain also has its raise d’etre. It can tell us what’s wrong with our lives and where we need change – provided we listen to it...It takes rain, so that the flowers can blossom again. Ultimately it all depends on our attitude.”

An exact release date for Love, Sweat and Tears is yet to be given. However, a notice on Mariama’s social media has put it for release in the autumn. Watch the video for 'Raindrops' below.