BIOGRAPHY
If you merged Miriam Makeba with Nina Simone, added a dose of Tracy Chapman and sprinkled
on some Tina Turner, you might begin to explain Natu Camara. A vibrant singer and songwriter whose West African heritage, charged performance style and passion for social justice has made her a unique presence in World Music.
Born in Ivory Coast and raised in Guinea, Natu’s devotion to music exploded in early success when
she joined three friends to form West Africa’s first ever female R&B/hip-hop band, the Ideal Black Girls. Their first album, Guinea mou monèra (“It’s not a shame to be a woman”) went on to sell in the millions and was nominated for Best Album 2002 in Guinea. Encouraged by thousands of loyal fans thrilled
by the music but even more inspired by its commitment to women’s power, the Ideal Black Girls toured throughout Africa while managing to finish college, an inspiration for an entire generation of girls.
And their impact has been lasting. They organized Rhapsody, a revolutionary festival of live music
and mentorship for females, and their song “Didi” continues to be played extensively, often as an expression of love at weddings. Their second album, recorded in Senegal, was also successful, but it marked a new phase to Natu’s career.
Natu traveled to New York to spend time with her husband, only to endure a tragedy: not long after
she arrived, he tragically passed away from cancer, leaving her suddenly alone at the beginning a long, dark period of mourning. For her fans she was silent, yet in the darkness, alone in a foreign country, with nothing but grief and a guitar her husband had bought for her as a wedding present, she quietly began playing and writing. When a peculiar bird came to her window uptown in 2013, she took it as sign that it was time to begin anew. She rapidly learned English, formed a band, and began to sing and write an entirely new form of music. Though she’d been playing hip hop music her entire young life, now
she sang inspired by such stars as Ali Farka Toure, Mory Kanté, Fela Kuti, Baaba Maal and Nina Simone.
In Mali, master guitarist and producer Djessou Mory Kanté introduced her to the world-class musicians who would capture the heart and soul of the sound she longed to give the world.
That album, Dimedi ("Child"), was received with acclaim in her home country, all those who knew her
as a hip-hop performer being stunned by her metamorphosis. The Guinean child was celebrated
on an hour panel discussion on national TV, where she performed three songs with just guitar and percussion. It was reported a nation was brought to tears when she performed Dimedi/"Child".
Because of her commitment to helping her country and, in particular, young women in urgent need
of mentors and strong female role models, Natu splits her time between Conakry, Guinea and
New York. Whether it’s singing of forced child marriage and disunity in her own country or the loneliness and sadness she has witnessed in the developed world, Natu sings real stories about
real issues in real people’s lives. “I sing about truth, love, peace, and the rights of women and children,” she says. “Meaning, my daily life is my inspiration.”
And though she performs her songs in five languages, they need no translation. Everyone feels
the power of energy. And everyone speaks the language of the heart. Until it was stalled by COVID, Natu’s hugely successful North America tour passed through San Francisco, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Montreal, Quebec, Washington DC, Port du Prince and New York.
She was also selected from among 1300 applicants by the NYC Women's Fund for Media, Music
and Theatre to fund her next album.
Throughout these dark days in the entertainment world, Natu’s drive and verve have kept her positive and performing at many Virtual Festivals, among them The Madison World Music Festival, The International Festival de Louisiane, Global Arts Live and a live performance for Voice of America
in Washington. She was also selected to appear on state TV in Guinea to celebrate the life of Guinean superstar Mory Kante.
Natu was selected by GlobalFEST to appear in an exclusive video performance alongside 16 celebrated artists. It is the first time an artist from Guinea has been selected for this prestigious honor.
Natu kicked off 2022 with performances at Lincoln Center and was the opening act at this years Festival International de Louisiane 2022 which returned live for the first time since lock down started.
Natu's 2022 American Tour ended with the successful staging of an international festival at the legendary Marcus Garvey Amphitheater in Harlem. Local international artists based in Harlem brought together local residents and across the 5 boroughs to celebrate diversity and culture with 5 hours of music. Natu is also busy putting together her second album due for release in 2023.
Just one more reason why adoring fans numbering in the thousands across the globe, await to hear more songs of hope and healing from Natu Camara.