Fati Mariko

Fati Mariko
Born
Fatimata Gandigui Mariko

1964 (age 61–62)
OccupationSinger

Fatimata Gandigui Mariko, better known as Fati Mariko (born 1964), is a Nigerien singer. She rose to prominence 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. She is known for combining tradition with modern influences. 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".

Mariko sings in French and in various native languages of Niger, including Hausa, Djerma, and Fula. Her albums include Issa Haro and Inch Allah.

In 2024, Mariko 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.

References

  1. ↑ Abdourahmane Idrissa; Samuel Decalo (1 June 2012). Historical Dictionary of Niger. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-7090-1.
  2. 1 2 "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. 1 2 "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.