Fatou Diouf Samba, professionally known as Fatou, is a groundbreaking Senegalese-Belgian rapper, singer-songwriter, and model. She holds the distinction of being the first African-born idol in South Korea’s K-pop industry, rising to prominence as the leader of the multinational girl group Blackswan while also forging a successful solo career.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Fatou Diouf Samba |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Dakar, Senegal |
| Nationality | Senegalese-Belgian |
| Partner | No information available |
| Occupations | Rapper, singer-songwriter, model, K-pop idol |
| Labels | DR Music |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born on March 23, 1995, in Dakar, Senegal, Fatou spent her early years immersed in Senegal’s vibrant culture, often visiting beaches and bonding with her grandmother.
At age 12, she relocated to Belgium, where she completed her education and later pursued modeling. Her fascination with K-pop began at 15 after discovering SHINee’s Replay, which ignited her passion for music and performance.
Career
Modeling
Before entering music, Fatou worked as a model in Belgium, honing her confidence and stage presence.
Blackswan
After graduating, she moved to South Korea, trained for two years in a K-pop cover dance crew, and debuted with Blackswan on October 16, 2020. Her role as a rapper, vocalist, and leader cemented her status as a trailblazer for African representation in K-pop.
Solo Career
Fatou launched her solo career with the mixtape PWAPF (2022) and later released her debut EP Letter 1 – Adaeh (2023), blending rap and soulful vocals to showcase her artistry.
Personal Life
Multilingual in English, French, German, Dutch, and Korean, Fatou’s global upbringing spans Senegal, Belgium, and South Korea.
An only child, she credits her mother as her pillar of strength and has openly discussed overcoming mental health challenges during Blackswan’s lineup changes.
Discography
With Blackswan
- Studio Album: Goodbye Rania (2020)
- EPs: Roll Up (2022)
- Single Albums: Close to Me (2021), That Karma (2023)
Solo Works
- Mixtape: PWAPF (2022)
- EP: Letter 1 – Adaeh (2023)
- Collaborations: Douce peau (with Jake ATLA$t), Blame and 4L (For Life) (with leanon)
Awards and Nominations
- 2023 Newsis K-EXPO Cultural Awards: Next Generation Hallyu Star Award (with Blackswan)
Fatou Samba’s journey from Dakar to K-pop stardom exemplifies resilience and cultural bridge-building, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans worldwide.
