Fatimata Gandigui Mariko, better known as Fati Mariko (born 1964), is a Nigerien singer. Her first hit record was as the singer for the band Marhaba.
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. [1] She is known for combining tradition with modern influences. [2] 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". [3]
She sings in French and in various native languages of Niger, including Hausa, Djerma, and Fula. [4] Her albums include Issa Haro and Inch Allah. [3]
In 2024 she 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. [2]