Leading West African powerhouse singer, songwriter and musician, Natu Camara, will make her first UK performance at Shrewsbury Folk Festival next weekend.

Natu's Shrewsbury gig will coincide with the release of a new single and music video for DJIWO (“Watch Out Girl”), released on 28 August.

At a time when African music is reshaping the global cultural landscape, Natu Camara has emerged as one of its most compelling independent voices. As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, the Guinean-American artist has spent more than two decades using music to celebrate identity, resilience, and the shared humanity that connects people across borders.

As co-founder and lead vocalist of Ideal Black Girls (IBG) - one of the pioneering all-female groups in modern West African popular music, Natu Camara challenged expectations of what women could represent in African music. Her critically acclaimed solo debut, Dimedi, introduced an artist whose songs are deeply personal yet universally resonant.

Singing in Susu, Fulani, Malinké, French, and English, Natu explores themes of hope, displacement, healing, justice, women's empowerment, and belonging. Every composition reflects her conviction that music can entertain, educate, heal, and unite.

Natu's artistic vision reaches a new milestone with LUMIÈRE, her most ambitious work to date. Recorded between Guinea, Paris, and New York, the album reflects a life lived across continents while remaining deeply rooted in Guinean culture. Blending contemporary Afro-rock with traditional West African influences, LUMIÈRE celebrates resilience, honors mothers, uplifts women, and reminds listeners that even in life's darkest moments, light endures.

Of her upcoming UK appearance, Natu said: "I'm truly excited to be performing at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. I've been looking forward to sharing my music with UK audiences, and it's especially meaningful to introduce some of the new songs from my upcoming album, LUMIÈRE. I can't wait to celebrate together through music.” 

Catch Natu when she plays the Severn Stage at Shrewsbury Folk Festival on Sunday 30 August at 1.45pm.

To find out more about the festival's artists - and who is performing where and when, visit: Shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk