Fanta Damba

Fanta Damba (born 1938 in Ségou) is a Malian djelimuso (Bambara female Griot-singer) known to her fans as La Grande Vedette Malienne.

Damba was a successful Mali musician born into the Jeli family, who are often called Griots.

[2] In order for a Griot to be recognized as a Ngara, one must be considered to possess great courage, are skilled, experienced, disciplined and are a successful musician usually over the age of forty.

A Ngara also usually has a strong middle tone voice that can control the crowd with emotions.

[1] Mali women such as Fanta were known for their praise singing and did not play a variety of instruments unlike the men.