Olu bè min
Nare jinè bè min
Kòoji jinè bè min
Faso jinè ka fo
Dugudasiri ka fo

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

My mother

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

English

Synopsis:
This song could have been called “aw ni ce!” or thank you in bambara. It is a nod to family, friends and fans all over the world. Fatou calls on the djinn spirits, protectors of our family, community and country to thank them for their protection.

Translation:

Where are they?
Where are the djinn spirits from Nare
Where are the djinn spirits from the river
Let’s give thanks to the djinn protector of the country
Let’s give thanks to the djinn protector of the village

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

My mother

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family
I wanna thank you, thank you for loving me
Thank you for your love, my family

Solomani, Solomani woloden kan bòra
Baabaaaaaa
Jabar, Jabar woloden kan bòra
Aah aaah duniya

Miiri miiri miiri ne nale
Miiri miiri miiri a ye sòn o ma

Miiri miiri miiri ne nale
Miiri miiri miiri a ye sòn o ma

Mun bè baarala o b’a dakan bolo
Mun bè sumuna o b’a dakan bolo
Mun bè yèlèla o b’a dakan bolo
Mun bè tulonna o b’a dakan bolo
Ne bè dònkili da n’bè n’dakan bolo
Ne bè tulon min na n’bè n’dakan bolo
Ne bè baara min na n’bè n’dakan bolo
Ne bè yala min na n’bè n’dakan bolo

Mama yee, mamaaaa
Mama yee, mamaaaa
Miiri miiri miiri bè sòn o ma
Na na na na na dakan bolo
Miiri miiri miiri bè sòn o ma
Na na na na na dakan bolo
Miiri miiri miiri bè sòn o ma
Na na na na na dakan bolo

Ayiyaa heeeee
Ayeeeee aaahaaaa
Ayeeeee aaahaaaa

Burama waale yòròjan tagala
A m’i sara balimaw la
Ehe n’k’a tè misènya dabila
Kèlè kun bèe filè an bolola yen ba
Jawara Fanta waale yòròjan tagala
A m’i sara balimaw la
Ehee n’k’a tè misènya dabila, Ala
Kèlè kun, kèlè kun, kèlè kun,
Kèlè kun bèe filè an bolola yen ba
Ahahahaaaaa (Ahahahaaaaa)
Ha haha, ha haha
Ha haha, ha haha
(Aw ka na de)
Ha haha, ha haha
(Aw ka na de)
Haaaaaaaaa

English

Synopsis:
No matter who you are or what you do, anything that happens in your life is down to fate. Each one of us has path which they follow. People should accept it and not blame you or judge you for who you are and what you do with your life. We tend to spend a lot of time and energy being fussy about petty stuff which can ruin relationships between siblings. Fanta and Bourama both left without saying goodbye, but they do not understand why this should be a reason to be crossed with them. While there are more important things in life to be concerned about.

Translation: Dakan = Fate

Solomani, solomani’s own daughter is here
Father
Jabar, Jabar’s own daughter is here
Aah aaah, that’s life

Think, think, think again, I’m here to stay
Think, think, think again, you have to accept it

Think, think, think again, I’m here to stay
Think, think, think again, you have to accept it

Those who are working, that’s their fate
Those who are having fun, that’s their fate
Those who are laughing, that’s their fate
Those who are partying, that’s their fate
I am singing, that’s my fate
The fun I am having, that’s my fate
The work I am doing, that’s my fate
The travelling that I do, that’s my fate

Mother, mother
Mother, mother
Think, think, think again, you will have to accept it
Nanananana, that’s fate
Think, think, think again, you will have to accept it
Nanananana, that’s fate
Think, think, think again, you will have to accept it
Nanananana, that’s fate

Ayiyaa heeeee
Ayeeeee aaahaaaa
Ayeeeee aaahaaaa

Bourama left to go far away
And he did not inform his siblings
Stop being so fussy about it
That’s no valid reason to be cross with someone
Diawara Fanta left to go far away
And she did not inform her siblings
Stop being so fussy about it
That’s no reason,no reason, no reason
That’s no valid reason to be cross with someone

Ahahahaaaaa (Ahahahaaaaa)
Ha haha, ha haha
Ha haha, ha haha
(Please come)
Ha haha, ha haha
(Please come)
Haaaaaaaaa

Ehe heyi cè, eh y’i danbe tunun’anw na
Danbe taara min?
Makòròw diminen don
Ko kamaleni, ayi danbe tunun’i la
Danbe taara min in in?
Sukòròw dimin’anw kòrò

O t’i danbe ye
Dòròguta t’i danbe ye
Sigèrètimin t’i danbe ye
Ali maafa fana t’i danbe ye

Mun y’i danbe ye?
Makòròbonya y’i danbe ye
Sukòròbonya y’i danbe ye
Sabali y’i danbe ye

Ko danbe ko ohoo, ah danbe ko ooh ooh ooh
Ah danbe ko ohooo, danbe tunun’an na
Ko danbe ko ohoo, ah danbe ko ooh ooh ooh
Ah danbe ko ohooo, danbe tunun’an na

Ehehee kamaleni
Kana kè mama saata ye
Kana kè baba saata ye
Ahan ahaan wolo ka gèlèn

N’ko sunkurunni
Eh eh kana kè baba sata ye
Eh eh kana kè mama sata ye
Ko denwolo ka gèlèn

Duwawu nyinin
Walayi o y’i danbe ye
O ye danbe kòrò ye
An ka bangebaw duwawu nyinin

Ko danbe ko ohoo, ah danbe ko ooh ooh ooh
Ah danbe ko ohooo, danbe tunun’an na
Ko danbe ko ohoo, ah danbe ko ooh ooh ooh
Ah danbe ko ohooo, danbe tunun’an na

Duwawu nyinin, duwawu nyinin
An ka duwawu nyinin
Duwawu nyinin, duwawu nyinin, duwawu nyinin
An ka duwawu nyinin

Duwawu nyinin, duwawu nyinin
An ka duwawu nyinin
Duwawu nyinin, duwawu nyinin, duwawu nyinin
An ka duwawu nyinin

English

Synopsis:
Amongst the various meanings of Danbe in bambara are education, family upbringing, traditional ways, customs or even dignity. The song urges the youth to turn their back on vices and other earthly pleasures to embrace our traditions which advocate earning a living by the sweat of your brow. Our ancestors taught us to respect the elders, honour the spirits and make our parents proud by working hard and being useful to our society. Sitting around and waiting for providence is not part of our customs.

Translation: Cultural values, traditional ways, customs or upbringing by extension

Hey man, our cultural values are disappearing
Where have our traditions gone?
Our elders are very upset
I say young man, you have lost respect for our ways
Where have our traditions gone?
The spirits of our ancestors are angry with us

It is not part of your values
Taking drugs is not part of your values
Smoking cigarettes is not part of your values
Going around killing people is not our ways

What is part of your values?
Respect for the elders is part of your values
Honoring the sprits of the ancestors is our custom
Promoting peace is in our traditions

Let’s uphold, let’s uphold our traditions
Let’s uphold our traditions, they are disappearing
Let’s uphold, let’s uphold our traditions
Let’s uphold our traditions, they are disappearing

Hey, young man!
Don’t be the cause of your mum’s death
Don’t be the cause of your dad’s death
You know, childbearing is hard

Hey, young girl!
Don’t be the cause of your dad’s death
Don’t be the cause of your mum’s death
I say childbearing is hard

Seek blessings
I swear, that’s part of our traditions
That’s an old tradition
Let’s seek blessings from our parents

Let’s uphold, let’s uphold our traditions
Let’s uphold our traditions, they are disappearing
Let’s uphold, let’s uphold our traditions
Let’s uphold our traditions, they are disappearing

Seek blessings, seek blessings
Let’s seek blessings
Seek blessings, seek blessings, seek blessings
Let’s seek blessings

Seek blessings, seek blessings
Let’s seek blessings
Seek blessings, seek blessings, seek blessings
Let’s seek blessings

Il suffit d’un sourire pour ne pas l’oublier
Un seul être vous aime et tout est réparé
(Bis)

N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la
Jamajigi, mun fòr’i ma
N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la
Jamajigi, mansaaa den

N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la sa
Jamajigi, mun fòr’i ma
N’ninkacè, mun kèr’i la
Jamajigi, mansaaa den

Mansaaaden, Il suffit d’une caresse
Mansaaaden, e pour ne pas l’oublier
Mansaaaden, un seul être vous aime
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Et tout est réparé

Mansaaaden, Il suffit d’un poème
Mansaaaden, pour ne pas l’oublier
Mansaaaden, un seul être vous aime
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Et tout est enchanté

N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la
Jamajigi, mun fòr’i ma
N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la
Jamajigi, mansaaa den

N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la sa
Jamajigi, mun fòr’i ma
N’ninkacè, mun kèr’i la
Jamajigi, mansaaa den

Min bè min fè, o ka d’o ma
O tè diyagoya
O tè diyagoya
O tè diyagoya
O tè diyagoya

Mansaaaden, Il suffit d’un sourire
Mansaaaden, pour ne pas l’oublier
Mansaaaden, un seul être vous aime
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Et tout est réparé

Mansaaaden, Il suffit d’un regard
Mansaaaden, pour ne pas l’oublier
Mansaaaden
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Pour ne pas l’oublier

Mansaaaden, Il suffit d’une chanson
Mansaaaden, pour ne pas l’oublier
Mansaaaden, un seul être vous aime
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Et tout est réparé

Mansaaaden, Il suffit d’un parfum
Mansaaaden, pour ne pas l’oublier
Mansaaaden, un seul être vous aime
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Et tout est enchanté

Mansaaaden
N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la
Mansaaaden
Jamajigi, mun fòr’i ma
Mansaaaden
N’ninkamògò, mun kèr’i la
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
Jamajigi, mansaaa den

Et tout est enchanté
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah

Un seul être vous aime
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah

Et tout est enchanté

English

Synopsis
Love is free, love cannot be forced upon someone. Let those who love each other be together.
Who has upset the man my heart and soul have chosen? Who is talking behind my lover’s back. He is the one who carries the hope of a nation on his shoulders. Don’t mess about with Mansaden, the king’s son, the prince and the man I love!

Translation: My prince lover

All it takes is a smile to remember
A single being loves you and all is fixed
(Bis)

My love, what happened to you?
People’s hope, what is being said about you?
My love, what happened to you?
You are the people’s hope, the king’s son

My love, so what happened to you?
People’s hope, what is being said about you?
My heart’s choice, what happened to you?
You are the people’s hope, the king’s son

The king’s son, just a caress
The king’s son, to not forget
The king’s son, a single being loves you
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
And all is fixed

The king’s son, just a poem
The king’s son, to not forget
The king’s son, a single being loves you
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
And all is enchanted

My love, what happened to you?
People’s hope, what is being said about you?
My love, what happened to you?
You are the people’s hope, the king’s son

My love, so what happened to you?
People’s hope, what is being said about you?
My heart’s choice, what happened to you?
You are the people’s hope, the king’s son

Let those who love each other be together
Love cannot be forced
Love cannot be forced
Love cannot be forced
Love cannot be forced

The king’s son, just a smile
TThe king’s son, to not forget
The king’s son a single being loves you
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
And all is fixed

The king’s son, just a glance
TThe king’s son, to not forget
The king’s son, a single being loves you
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
And all is fixed

The king’s son, just a song
The king’s son, to not forget
The king’s son, a single being loves you
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
And all is fixed

The king’s son, just a perfume
The king’s son, to not forget
The king’s son, a single being loves you
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah
And all is enchanted

My love, what happened to you?
People’s hope, what is being said about you?
My love, what happened to you?
You are the people’s hope, the king’s son

And all is enchanted
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah

And all is enchanted
Hayi, ayi, ayi aaah

And all is enchanted

Aaah aah maaya ka gèlèn, ka gèlèn
Aaah aah maaya ka gèlèn, ka gèlèn

Maayaaa, maayaaa manògòn le Baba
Maayaaa he, maayaaa manògòn le Mama
Ne ko maaya maaanògòn
Maaya maaanògòn le

Ko n’woloden i nyè jòlen bè mun ta la
O tile t’i tile ye, n’balimakè
i nyè jòlen bè mun ta la
O tile t’i tile ye, n’balimamuso
Aaah maa tè dakan bali
Eeeh maa tèna dakan sa dè

Mansaba ye mun d’u ma
Mansaba ye mun d’u ma
Baba yooo
A ye mun di maaninfiw ma
Bèe jòlen b’i ta la dè
K’i nyè jò walidenwna
Mama le ye
I t’i nyè bò walidenwna
Mama le ye

Aaah aah maaya ka gèlèn, ka gèlèn
Aaah aah maaya ka gèlèn, ka gèlèn

Ko ni haaaakili maa min jè dinyè kònò
Mansa le Ala, mansa y’i jè fènbala
Bèe k’i nyè jò wolodenunna
Musow yo, bèe k’i nyè jò wolodenunna
Bèe k’i nyè jò n’wolodeninna

Mansaba fo, mansaba fo
I b’i sekokan dinyèla
Mansaba fo, mansaba fo
I b’i sekokan dinyèla
Mansaba fo, mansaba fo
I b’i sekokan dinyèla

Synopsis:
Human interactions are full of ups and downs, you deal with the good and the bad. There will always be some people sitting higher than us on the social ladder, while we too find ourselves above people less fortunate than us. We must accept and work with what God has provided us. To envy others for what they have may turn into resentment towards them, thus belittling what our Creator has given us.

Translation: Human interaction or relationship

Ah, ah human interaction is difficult
Ah, ah human interaction is difficult

Interacting with humans is not an easy feat, father
Interacting with humans is not an easy feat, mother
Human interaction is not easy
Human interaction is not easy at all

My child, you are eyeing someone else’s property
But that is way out of your reach, my brother
You are eyeing someone else’s property
But that is way out of your reach, my sister
Ah! no one can escape their fate
Eh! no one can prevent us from following our destiny

Whatever the Lord has given to them
Whatever the Lord has given to them
Oh father!
Whatever God has given to humanity
Everyone thinks their share is too little
You keep staring at other people’s share
Oh mother!
Stop staring at other people’s share
Oh mother!

Ah, ah human interaction is difficult
Ah, ah human interaction is difficult

If a person lacks common sense in this world
God has taken away a major asset from them
We must all keep an eye on children
Women, we must all look after children
You all keep an eye on my child

We thank you Lord, thank you Lord
You are doing your best in this world
We thank you Lord, thank you Lord
You are doing your best in this world
We thank you Lord, thank you Lord
You are doing your best in this world

N’i bè badenyala karisa y’a fò tan
A manyi
Ko n’i bè sinjiyala karisa y’a fò tan
A manyi
N’i bè teriyala karisa y’a fò tan
A manyi
Ko n’i bè jènna karisa y’a fò tan
A manyi

Mògòkan, mògòkan manyi
Mògòkan han, mògòkan manyi
Mògòkan, mògòkan manyi
Mògòkan han, mògòkan manyi

Badenyala aw kana mògò lamè
Sinjiyala aw kana mògò lamè
Teriyala aw kana mògò lamè
Aw bèe, aw bèe, aw bèe
Aw bèe, aw bèe, aw bèe
Aw na na na na na na na na

Haan, ne b’aw wele
Furu duman dilanbaalu
Ne b’aw fola yen ba
Ja jan ye ja jan ye
Ja jan ye ja

Haan, jaa ne b’aw wele
Kanu duman dilanbaalu
Ne b’aw fola hee
Ja jan ye ja jan ye
Ja jan ye ja

Haan, jaa ne b’aw wele
Tinyè duman dilanbaalu
Ne b’aw fola hee
Ja jan ye ja jan ye
Ja jan ye ja

Mògòkan, mògòkan manyi
Mògòkan han, mògòkan manyi
Mògòkan, mògòkan manyi
Mògòkan han, mògòkan manyi

Badenyala aw kana mògò lamè
Sinjiyala aw kana mògò lamè
Teriyala aw kana mògò lamè
Aw bèe, aw bèe, aw bèe
Aw bèe, aw bèe, aw bèe
Aw na na na na na na na na

English

Synopsis:
Friendship and brotherhood create special, some may say sacred, bonds between people. So, don’t let a simple gossip come between you. Whether we are in a romantic relationship or a marriage or even amongst our siblings, we need to overcome our differences and live in harmony. Let us not listen to wicked gossip and vile rumours.

Tranaslation: Gossip

Among brothers and sisters, it is not good
to spread gossip
Among siblings, it is not good
to spread gossip
In friendship, it is not good
To spread gossip
In any relationship, it is not good
To spread gossip

Gossipping, gossipping is not good
Gossipping, gossipping is not good
Gossipping, gossipping is not good
Gossipping, gossipping is not good

Between brothers and sisters, don’t listen to what others say
Between siblings, don’t listen to what others say
In friendship, don’t listen to what others say
All of you, all of you, all of you
All of you, all of you, all of you
You na na na na na na na na

Ah, I call on you
The ones who repair broken mariages
I send you my greetings
Ja jan ye ja jan ye
Ja jan ye ja

Ah, I call on you
The ones who heal loving couples hearts
I send you my greetings
Ja jan ye ja jan ye
Ja jan ye ja

Ah, I call on you
The ones who let the truth rule
I send you my greetings
Ja jan ye ja jan ye
Ja jan ye ja

Gossipping, gossipping is not good
Gossipping, gossipping is not good
Gossipping, gossipping is not good
Gossipping, gossipping is not good

Between brothers and sisters, don’t listen to what others say
Between siblings, don’t listen to what others say
In friendship, don’t listen to what others say
All of you, all of you, all of you
All of you, all of you, all of you
You na na na na na na na na

Kabin’a nana, den nin yèrè nana
Ale kòròbayara
Cèdusukolo b’a la
Kasòrò cèdusukolo tè den bèe la
Hihiyihiiii kabako!

Kobakèmusow ka wele
Munun b’u yèrè feere, n’kan t’olu ma
Munun b’u danbe feere, n’kan t’olu ma
Munun t’u yèrè bonya, n’kan t’olu ma
Musoya kana kè yèrè feere ye
An ka muso kulusitigiw wele ihiiiyihiiiiii

Munun t’a dòn dòn dòn, ne b’o f’aw ye
Munun t’a dòn dòn dòn, ne b’o f’aw ye
Munun t’a dòn dòn dòn, ne b’o f’aw ye
Munun t’a dòn dòn dòn, ne b’o f’aw ye

K’o f’aw ye
K’o f’aw ye
How long it will take maman
K’o f’aw ye
How long it will take for the women
K’o f’aw ye
How long it will take maman
How long it will take for the women
Hahahaaan anhaaaann
(How long it will take maman)
(How long it will take for the change)
Musoya kana kè ko lankolon ye
An ka wuli an ka baara
An ka baara an wolodenw ye
King women
An ka baara shinidenw ye
Wake up
Hahahaaan anhaaaann
(King women)
(Stand up)
Ihiihiiiiiiii
(King women)
Hiiiiiiiiiiihiiiiiii
(Wake up)
Ihiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
(King women)
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
(Stand up)

Muso kulusitigiw ka wele
(Muso kulusi)
(Muso kulusi)
Muso kulusitigi
Muso Tafe
Kulusitigi
(Muso Tafe)
Muso Kulusi
Muso Kulusi
(Muso Tafe)
Muso kulusitigiw ka wele
(Muso Tafe)
(Muso Kulusi)
Muso kulusitigi
(Muso Kulusi)
(Muso Tafe)
Kulusitigi
(Muso Tafe)

Muso Tafe
Muso kulusitigiw ka wele
(Muso Tafe)
Muso kulusitigi
Kulusitigi

English

Synopsis:
A woman’s role in society must not be underestimated. She is the pilar of the family and of society in general. She can be smart, brave and achieve great things in life without relying on anyone else. Let us not judge them by the behaviour of a few who cast shame on all the women. Let us juge them instead by the deeds of those incredibly courageous ones who decided to get up, work hard and change the world for them, their children and the next generation.

Translation: Womanhood (Being a woman)

Since the day this girl came into the world
She grew up
With the heart of a man
Whilst not many children can boast having a man’s heart
Eheeeheeeee quite incredible!

Let us call the women of great deeds
I’m not talking about those who sell their bodies
I’m not talking about the ones who sell their dignity out
I’m not talking about those without self-respect
Being a woman is not about selling yourself
Let us call the women who wear trousers

To those who don’t know, know, know, let me tell you
To those who don’t know, know, know, let me tell you
To those who don’t know, know, know, let me tell you
To those who don’t know, know, know, let me tell you

Let me tell you
Let me tell you
How long it will take maman
Let me tell you
How long it will take for the women
Let me tell you
(How long it will take maman)
(How long it will take for the change)

Hahahaaan anhaaaann
(How long it will take maman)
(How long it will take for the change)
The value of a woman in society must not be underestimated
Let us get up and work
Let us work for our children
King women
Let us work for the future generation
Wake up
Hahahaaan anhaaaann
(King women)
(Stand up)
Eheeeheeeee
(King women)
Heeeeeheeee
(Wake up)
Eeheeeee
(King women)
Heeeeeeee
(Stand up)

Let us call the women who wear trousers
(Women’s trousers)
(Women’s trousers)
Women who wear trousers
Women’s loincloth
They wear trousers
(Women’s loincloth)
Women’s trousers
Women’s trousers
(Women’s loincloth)

Let us call the women who wear trousers
(Women’s loincloth)
(Women’s trousers)
Women who wear trousers
(Women’s trousers)
(Women’s loincloth)
They wear trousers
(Women’s loincloth)
Women’s loincloth
Let us call the women who wear trousers
(Women’s loincloth)
Women who wear trousers
They wear trousers

Taara, ne taara, ne taara, ne taara ah
Ne taara, ne taara, ne taara, ne taara ah
Taara, ne taara, ne taara, ne taara ah

A da n’na n’balimalu oh
Aw kan’a da n’na n’sinjilu yo
U y’a da n’na n’terilu oh
Aw kana da n’na n’fadenu o wala
N’aw tè n’fè n’balimalu
Aw kan’a da n’na
N’aw tè n’fè n’sinjimalu
Aw kan’a da n’na
N’aw ma n’kanu n’balimaw
Ehee aw kan’a da n’na
N’aw ma n’kanu n’sinjimalu
Jamale eeh aw kan’a da ne la
Umm n’terimaw woo
Kanu tè jogoya ye n’balimalu
Aw ka yafa ne ma

Taara, ne taara, ne taara, ne taara
Ko ne bè na aw fo
Aw ni ce aw ka kòròlen na
Ko ne bè na aw fo
Aw ni ce aw ka kòròlen na

Ne n’u kèlèla, ne n’u kèlèla le
U y’a da n’na, balimajugu y’a da n’na
Ne n’u kèlèla, ne n’u kèlèla le
U y’a da n’na, sinjijugu y’a da n’na
U y’a da n’na, n’balimajugu y’a da n’na
Sonyali da n’na, terijugu y’a da n’na
Sonyali da n’na, fadenjugu y’a da n’na
Ne n’u kèlèla, ne n’u kèlèla le
Umm ne ye n’ta d’Ala ma
(Ne taara)
Mansa ne ye n’ta d’Ala ma
(Ne taara)
Umm ne ye n’ta d’Ala ma
(Ne taara)
Mansa ne ye n’ta d’Ala ma
Ne taara

English

Synopsis:
In life you need to keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. The latter can be found amongst your closest family members and friends you trust.They will not hesitate to spread lies about you, drag your name through dirt with the aim to belittle you or to bring you down, out of jealousy or pure wickedness. Since you cannot force everyone to love you, you have to stand up to them and fight to clear your name. Ultimately, you may have to go away and leave them with their self-destructive feelings.

Translation: (I am going away)

Going, I’m going, I’m going, I’m going away
I’m going, I’m going, I’m going, I’m going away
Going, I’m going, I’m going, I’m going away

Do not lie about me my brethren
Do not slander me my brothers and sisters
Do not lie about me my friends
Do not slander me please my siblings
Even if you do not love me, brethren
Do not slander me
Even if you do not love me, brothers and sisters
Do not slander me
Even if you cannot love me, brethren
Eeeh do not slander me
Even if you cannot love me, brothers and sisters
People, I beg you do not slander me
Umm my dear friends
You cannot force someone to love you, my brethren
Please forgive me

Going, I’m going, I’m going, I’m going away
I would like to greet you
And to thank you for your past support
I would like to greet you
And to thank you for your past support

I fought with them, I fought with them
They lied about me, wicked brethren slandered me
I fought with them, I fought with them
They lied about me, wicked brother and sisters slandered me
They lied about me, wicked brethren slandered me
They accused me of stealing, wicked friends slandered me
They accused me of stealing, wicked friends slandered me
I fought with them, I fought with them
Umm I submit my grief to God
(I’m goint)
Lord, I submit my grief to God
(I’m goint)
Umm I submit my grief to God
(I’m goint)
Lord, I submit my grief to God
(I’m goint)

Ko dondòla ne de wulila dugutagala
Ne ye jònni ye, n’balimaw yo ne ye n’teriw ye
Ne ye jònni ye, n’sinjimaw yo ne ye n’sinjiw ye
U ko n’ma ko n’bè bò min, ne de k’u ma Malibala
U ko n’ma ko n’bè taa min, ne de k’u ma n’fasola

Jama kulela n’na n’sera, n’sera, n’sera, n’sera n’ka so
N’sera, n’sera, n’sera, n’sera n’ka so
N’seraa, n’seraa, n’sera, n’sera n’ka so

N’sera n’ka so
N’sera n’ka so
N’sera n’ka so
N’sera n’ka so

An dun ka nyinin k’a dòn, Farafina nyinin k’a dòn
Nyinin k’a dòn, Afrika nyinin k’a dòn
Ko ne taara dugula, Afrika dugula
Olu ye ji di ne ma, olu ye minyòrò di ne ma
Olu ye dayòrò di ne ma, olu ye suman di ne ma

Jama kulela n’na n’sera, n’sera, n’sera, n’sera n’ka so
N’sera, n’sera, n’sera, n’sera n’ka so
N’seraa, n’seraa, n’sera, n’sera n’ka so

N’sera n’ka so

I don’t know if exist

N’sera n’ka so

We don’t care, we got force and thoughts in our live

N’sera n’ka so

So I’m calling, London Ko

N’sera n’ka so
N’sera n’ka so
N’sera n’ka so

ENGLISH

Synopsis:
I took a trip back to my homeland Mali, in Africa and was welcomed with cries of joy. Africa has so much to offer to the rest of the world in terms of human relationships, hospitality and generosity of the heart. If only Africans themselves would take the time to learn more about the culture, traditions and customs of their own continent. I’ve reached home and there is no place like home, they say!

Translation

N’sera: I’ve reached home/my destination

One day I went on a journey
Whom did I meet? Brothers and sisters, I met my friends
Whom did I meet? My brethren, I met my siblings
They asked me where I came from, I told them from Maliba
They asked me where I was going, I told them to my fatherland

People rejoiced with me, as I reached, reached, reached, I reached home
I reached, reached, reached, I reached home
I reached, reached, reached, I reached home

I reached home
I reached home
I reached home
I reached home

We must try to learn, learn about Africa
Learn about, learn about Africa
I went on a trip, a trip across Africa
They welcomed me with water to quench my thirst
They gave me a bed to sleep on and food to eat

People rejoiced with me, as I reached, reached, reached, I reached home
I reached, reached, reached, I reached home
I reached, reached, reached, I reached home

I reached home

I don’t know if exist

I reached home

We don´t care, we got force and thoughts in our live

I reached home

So I’m calling, LondonKo

I reached home
I reached home
I reached home

Oooooh ooohoooh
Musow de bè nyanina
Musow de bè tòoròla
Musow de bè sègènna

Musow de bè baarala
Musow de bè munyuna
Musow de bè nyèguanna

Musoya kana kè nyaninba ye
Musoya kana kè tòoròba ye Ala
Musoya kana kè nyanin ye
Musoya kanaaa kè, n’ba

Aw ma ye, aw ma ye
Aw ma ye, aw ma ye
Aw ma ye, aw ma ye
Aw ma ye, aw ma ye

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Oooooh ooohoooh
Oooooh ooohoooh

Cèlasigi mana kè nyaninba ye
Jama leee an bè taa min?

Denwolo mana kè nyaninba ye
Jama leee an bè taa min?

Cèlasigi mana kè ahaan tòoròba ye Ala
An bè taa min?

Aw ma ye, aw ma ye
Aw ma ye, aw ma ye
Aw ma ye, aw ma ye
Aw ma ye, aw ma ye

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Oooooh ooohoooh
Oooooh ooohoooh

Ahaan n’balimalu
Ko sègèn bè yan
Ko sègèn bè yan
Ko nyanin bè yan
Ko nyanin bè yan
Ko sègèn bè yan
Ko sègèn bè yan
Ko nyanin bè yan
Ko nyanin bè yan

Oooooh ooohoooh
Oooooh ooohoooh

Synopsis:
Women’s conditions are extremely hard in some parts of the world. They work very hard and deserve to be happy. But they face a lot of challenges, pressure and humiliation. Even marriage which should provide a woman with love, protection and happiness, can turn into a nightmare where she stands to loose the most. Fatou sings the pains and suffering of those women and carries their voices where they cannot reach usually.

English Translation: Fatigue, pressure, poverty, but in this context it means “Women’s suffering”

Oooooh ooohoooh
Women live in pain
Women live under pressure
Women are suffering

Women work hard
Women are patient
But women suffer a lot

Being a woman should not mean extreme pain
Being a woman should not mean being pressurised
Being a woman should not mean suffering
Being a woman should not mean…,mother

Have you seen? Have you seen?
Have you seen? Have you seen?
Have you seen? Have you seen?
Have you seen? Have you seen?

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Oooooh ooohoooh
Oooooh ooohoooh

If marriage brings a lot of pain
Where do we go, people?

If childbearing brings a lot of pain
Where do we go, people?

If marriage brings a lot of suffering
Where do we go?

Have you seen? Have you seen?
Have you seen? Have you seen?
Have you seen? Have you seen?
Have you seen? Have you seen?

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama
Tama tama tama

Oooooh ooohoooh
Oooooh ooohoooh

My brothers and sisters
There is suffering here
There is suffering here
There is pain here
There is pain here
There is suffering here
There is suffering here
There is pain here
There is pain here

Oooooh ooohoooh
Oooooh ooohoooh

Huumhum huuhuum huuhuum
Huumhum huuhuum huuhuum
Ahan, ko ne taara dugu dò la
Olu dun tè nègè sigi, nègè sigi
(Humhum huuhuum huuhuum)
Wolodenw tè sigi nègè, nègè kòrò
Aw k’a dabila
Ayewa hee
(Humhum huuhuum huuhuum)
Haan dinyè tè so ye

Saa se t’o ma, saa se tè
(It’s about children)
(Our children)
(Let’s protect them)
Saa se t’o ma, saa se tè, se tè, se tè
(Let’s protect them)
Saa se tè, se tè, se tè

I b’i den min ni minè
O bè se ka k’i tabaa ye dinyè kònò
Aaah aaah ye ba
Aha ahaaaa ye ba
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)
Demusonin ni minè
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)
A kana olu sègèn
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)
Ahaa ye waa ah he
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)
Ahaan ye he ye heee heee yeee
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)

Saa se t’o ma, saa se tè
(Aw kana kè ten, aw dun k’a hin’anw na)
Saa se t’o ma, saa se tè, se tè, se tè
Saa se tè, se tè, se tè

Ayewa aha yeee
Ayewa aha yeee
Ayewa aha yeee

English

Synopsis:
This song talks about the tragedy of female genital mutilation, a practice still prevalent in many parts of Africa including Mali. Drawing from her personal experience which nearly cost her her life, Fatou tells society to stop female genital mutilations which have no justification anywhere in our traditions or religions and put the lives of young girls at risk. Many women are still suffering the long term after-effects of this barbaric practice they were subjected to when they were children.

Translation: Powerless

Humhum huuhuum huuhuum
Humhum huuhuum huuhuum
I went on a trip and arrived in a village
They do not practice Female Genital Mutilation
(Humhum huuhuum huuhuum)
Our own children don’t have to go through FGM
Please stop this violence
Ayewa ye
(Humhum huuhuum huuhuum)
This world is fleeting

She is close to death and you are powerless
(It’s about children)
(Our children)
(Let’s protect them)
She is close to death and you are powerless, powerless, powerless
(Let’s protect them)
Against death you are powerless, powerless, powerless

Your little girl, whose life you are putting at risk,
Is maybe the one who will take care of you in this world
Aaah aaah ye ba
Aha ahaaaa ye ba
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)

Putting the lives of little girls at risk
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)
Stop troubling them
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)
Ahaa ye waa ah he
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)
Ahaan ye he ye heee heee yeee
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)

She is close to death and you are powerless
(Don’t do this, have mercy on us)
She is close to death and you are powerless, powerless, powerless
Against death you are powerless, powerless, powerless

Ayewa aha yeee
Ayewa aha yeee
Ayewa aha yeee

Aw nyènafin bè n’na
Nyènafin bè n’na, aw nyènafin bè n’naaa

Aw nyènafin bè n’na
N’balimaw yo, nyènafin bè n’na

N’sinjimaw yo, jaaa nyènafin bè n’na

N’balimaw yo, jaaa n’ko nyènafin bè n’na

Somaw, somaw
Somaw, somaw
somaw, somaw
somaw, somaw bè di?
Aw bè di?

Somaw, somaw
Somaw, somaw
somaw, somaw
somaw, somaw bè di?
Aw bè di?

Fotoninw ci nema
Kumakaninw ci ne ma, aah ah

Dulokininw ci ne ma
Kumakaninw ci ne ma, eeh ja

Mama nyènafin de bè n’na, n’bèna kè di?
Papa nyènafin de bè n’na, n’bèna kèee di?
Aw bè di?

Mama nyènafin de bè n’na, n’bèna kè di?
Papa nyènafin de bè n’na, n’bèna kèee di?
Aw bè di?

Aw bè di?

Somaw, somaw
Somaw, somaw
somaw, somaw
somaw, somaw bè di?
Aw bè di?

Fotoninw ci nema
Kumakaninw ci ne ma

Fotoninw ci nema
Kumakaninw ci ne ma

Fotoninw ci nema
Kumakaninw ci ne ma

English

Synopsis:
Being far away from your home and your extended family is not easy for anyone to cope with. The distance, the longing can make you sad and family is where it all starts. Despite the fame and the constant touring, travelling around the world, family remains the centre of gravity which keeps you grounded and energised. In this day and age getting news, pictures and messages from home is almost instantaneous and the love is real, but distance is still a hurdle. So, how are you, my people?

Translation: [Missing] My family

I miss you a lot
Miss you, I miss you a lot

I miss you a lot
My brothers and sisters, I do miss you

My siblings, I do miss you

My brothers and sisters, I really miss you

Family, family
Family, family
Family, family
How is my family?
How are you?

Family, family
Family, family
Family, family
How is my family?
How are you?

Send me some pictures
Send me some voice messages

Send me some clothes
Send me some voice messages

I miss my mum, what am I going to do?
I miss my dad, what am I going to do?
How are you?

I miss my mum, what am I going to do?
I miss my dad, what am I going to do?
How are you?

How are you?

Family, family
Family, family
Family, family
How is my family?
How are you?

Send me some pictures
Send me some voice messages

Send me some pictures
Send me some voice messages

Send me some pictures
Send me some voice messages

Aan ka lada, an ka lada, an ka lada

Jamaa, an ka lada, an ka lada, an ka lada

Haan, n’balimalu, a ko tolon ser’an nye
N’badennu yo, Afrika tolon welela

Ko jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
Dugudasiri bè wele ha
Ko jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
Nare famadenw bè wele
Jamaa, jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
An bè maakòròw fola yen
Ko jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
An bè sukòròw barika da
Jamaa han, ahaan haan, dinyè maafòlòw ye
Numundenw yeee

Aan ka lada, an ka lada, an ka lada

Jamaa, an ka lada, an ka lada, an ka lada

Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe
Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe
Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe
Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe

Maakòròw baarala, olu baarala
Anw ka maakòròw baarala
Maakòròw baarala, olu baarala
Anw ka maakòròw baarala

Ahan haan haan, jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
Ko jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
Filadenw bè wele yan
Ko jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
An bè marakadenw barika da
Jamaa, jòn ni jòn ni bè wele
Bamanandenw bè fola yan
Marakadenw bè fola yan
Kòròbòrׇòdenw bè fola yan
Bozodenw bè fola yan
Tuwarèguw bè fola yan
Malibadenw, malibadenw
N’da sera mun ma, n’da mase mun ma
Ahaan haan aw bè ka foli don

Maakòròw baarala, olu baarala
U wele
Anw ka maakòròw baarala
An k’u wele
Maakòròw baarala, olu baarala
U wele
Anw ka maakòròw baarala
An k’u wele

An ka don da kelen fè
An ka bò da kelen fè
An ka don da kelen fè
An ka bò da kelen fè
An ka don da kelen fè
An ka bò da kelen fè
An ka don da kelen fè
An ka bò da kelen fè

English

Synopsis:
It is time to party! Not just any party, an african party to which some special guestsare invited. First, we reach out to our elders and ancestors to grant us their blessing. We will then call all our brothers and sisters without exclusion, whether they are Soninke, Bamanan, Bozo, Songhoy, Tuareg, Peulh or Numu the irnosmiths, who are considered the first people on earth. We thank our elders for their hard work for us and call for unity amongst all the sons and daughters of our great country Mali.

Translation: (Fun/party)

Our traditions, our traditions, our traditions

People, our traditions, our traditions, our traditions

Ah my dear brothers, party times are here
My dear siblings, we have started an african party

Who will be invited?
The spirit protector of the village will be invited
Who will be invited?
The princes from Nare will be invited
Who will be invited?
People, who will be invited?
We will give thanks to our elders
Who will be invited?
We will praise the spirits of our ancestors
People, the first people on earth
Are the ironsmiths

Our traditions, our traditions, our traditions

People, our traditions, our traditions, our traditions

Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe
Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe
Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe
Oh ah eh eh eh, oh ah eh eh eehe

The elders have worked, they have worked hard
Our elders have worked hard
The elders have worked, they have worked hard
Our elders have worked hard

Who will be invited?
I ask who will be invited?
Fula people will be invited
I ask who will be invited?
Fula people will be invited
I ask who will be invited?
Let us give thanks to the Soninke people
People, who will be invited?
Greetings to the Bamanan people
Greetings to the Soninke people
Greetings to the Songhoy people
Greetings to the Bozo people
Greetings to the Tuareg people
Sons and daughters of the great Mali
My greetings to you all
Those I have named and those I have not mentioned

The elders have worked, they have worked hard
Call them
Our elders have worked hard
We must call them
The elders have worked, they have worked hard
Call them
Our elders have worked hard
We must call them

Let us unite and be one
Let us unite and be one
Let us unite and be one
Let us unite and be one

Hey cè, i tulo bè n’na wa
Wari b’i bolo, sanu b’i bolo
I ma fisa ne ye

Hey cè, i tulo bè n’na wa
Ko tògò b’i la, jama b’i bolo
I ma fisa ni ne ye, Ala

Ile, ile, ile, ile
Jama b’i bolo jama b’i la
I ma fisa ni ne ye

An k’a majigin
An k’a majigin
An k’a majigin

Yada, yada, yada, manyi
Yada, yada, yada, manyi
Yada, yada, yada, manyi
Yada, yada, yada, manyi

Hey cè, ja i tulo bè n’na wa
Wari b’i bolo, sanu b’i bolo
I ma fisa ni ne ye

A ko hey cèee
A ko hey cèee
I ma fisa ni n’ye

Hey ile, hey ile, hey ile
Hey ile, hey ile, hey ile

English

Synopsis:
The wealth that comes with fame can go to one’s head. To the extend that some people, especially amongst artists, may think they are better than others. “Yada” sings about the arrongance and egocentric behaviours of those people and the need to remain humble no matter how famous and rich we think we are.

Translation: Arrogance, hauteur (of someone who thinks they’re better than others)

Hey man, do you hear me?
I know you have money and gold
But you are not better than me

Hey man, do you hear me?
I know you have fame and a big following
But you are not better than me

You, you, you
I know you have a lot of followers
But you are not better than me

Let’s be more humble
Let’s be more humble
Let’s be more humble

Stop being haughty, it’s not good
Stop being haughty, it’s not good
Stop being haughty, it’s not good
Stop being haughty, it’s not good

Hey man, do you hear me?
I know you have money and gold
But you are not better than me

Hey man, I’m talking to you
Yes, it’s you I’m talking to
You are not better than me

Hey you, hey you, hey you
Hey you, hey you, hey you