This is such a joyful earworm, exuberantly performed by an all-female African supergroup of six vocalists celebrating self-love and acceptance. Female warriordom has never sounded so fierce, or danceable, or catchy.
The lead voices on this tune – Flaws – are those of Mamani Keïta and Fafa Ruffino, singing over infectious rhythms and compelling melodies enhanced by producer Jacknife Lee, in a radical departure from his work with Taylor Swift and U2.
He’s the one playing the in-your-face 808 drumbeat at the intro, as well as keyboards, drums and percussion.
“The song has a simple message,” explains Malian singer Mamani Keïta. “The perfect person does not exist. We all have our flaws and imperfections which we carry with us through life. But there is beauty in imperfection, and that’s what we want people to realise.”
It’s hard to argue with that.
The video, directed by Zambian contemporary dance artist and choreographer Kennedy Muntanga, features Mamani Keïta alongside a group of teenage dancers from the ACE Dance and Music school in Birmingham, where it was shot in their rehearsal room.
All together now:
Tiki tiki tiki tiki TCHITÉ!
Tiki tiki tiki TCHITÉ!