Mariaa Siga’s remarkable musical journey started in the Casamance region of Senegal. Her star began to rise with success at music competitions in Senegal which led her to prominent stages, including an appearance on The Voice in France and in the One Riddim Contest hosted by French reggae label Baco Records. Along the way, she garnered nominations for the Victoires du Reggae, reached the finals of the RFI Discovery Prize and was selected as Female Artist of the Year at the Casamance Music Awards in 2023 and 2024. Siga also received a Silver Medal at the Gwangju Busking World Cup in 2023. Her captivating voice effortlessly navigates Diola folk rhythms, Afropop, and roots-reggae inspirations.
Featured Songs:
On the Global Reggae song “Ni Mama” (I’m Leaving), Siga sings about leaving behind your problems and looking for a better future elsewhere. “I'm leaving, I'm tired / I'm going to join the light at the end of the tunnel / There that I will emerge from the darkness / I'm leaving, I'm going to find my people / I'm no longer afraid now I know where my happiness is.”
Backed by the French reggae group Artikal Band on “Le Murmure des Anges” (The Whisper of Angels), on Putumayo's Reggae Routes, Mariaa Siga offers a message of encouragement and hope for people struggling with life’s challenges. When doubt and despair arise, she sings, there is a small voice inside that urges you to never give up and hold on to the belief in a better tomorrow.
Featured on Putumayo's Café Africa, “Wama” (What’s Going On?) is from Siga’s 2019 debut album Asekaw. Singing in the Diola language, Siga discuss generational disagreements, addressing the youth and inviting them to communicate and prioritize dialogue to prevent conflicts from worsening. “Here, there / Problems are everywhere / It seems like sadness will never end / Don’t worry, the storm will pass.”
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