Amadou & Mariam was a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam … Read Full Bio ↴Amadou & Mariam was a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali's capital Bamako 15 April 1958) and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954; died 4 April 2025). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music.

The duo produced music that mixed traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues".

In 2004 they put out an acclaimed album produced by Manu Chao.

In 2006 they were acknowledged with BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in the two categories: Africa and Album of the Year (for the "Dimanche à Bamako" release).

In 2008 they released their 6th album Welcome To Mali with the participation of K'Naan, Keziah Jones, -M- and Damon Albarn. Their song "Sabali" was placed 15 on Pitchfork Media's Top 100 Best Tracks of 2008.

The duo won the Best Group category in the inaugural Songlines Music Awards (2009) – announced 1 May 2009 – the new world music awards organised by the UK-based magazine, Songlines.

Their eighth album Folila was released on 2 April 2012. Folila, which means "music" in Bambara, was recorded in Bamako and New York with special guests including Santigold, TV on the Radio, and Jake Shears.

On 22 September 2017 they released their album La Confusion.

www.amadou-mariam.com

Coulibaly
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Coulibaly massassi
Watongan digui sé me aoula dé
Coulibaly massassi
Wanbena digui sé me aoula dé

Coulou bina
Coulou ma dimi
Mogo Binary Gears Coulou ma dimi

Eh Allah coulibaly massassi

Coulou bina
Coulou ma dimi
Mogo Binary Gears Coulou ma dimi
Eh Allah coulibaly massassi

Coulibaly massassi
Watongan digui sé me aoula dé
Coulibaly massassi
Wanbena digui sé me aoula dé

Coulibaly massassi

Djigui tougou
Coulou be mi
Djigui sé mé
Coulou bé mi
Et Allah coulibaly massassi

Djigui tougou
Coulou be mi
Djigui sé mé
Coulou bé mi
Et Allah coulibaly massassi

Coulibaly massassi
Coulibaly massassi

Kanou gnogon
Coulou bé mi
Fourou gnogon
Coulou bé mi
Et Allah coulibaly massassi

Kanou gnogon
Coulou bé mi
Fourou gnogon
Coulou bé mi
Et Allah coulibaly massassi

Coulibaly massassi
Watongan digui sé me aoula dé
Coulibaly massassi
Wanbena digui sé me aoula dé

Coulibaly massassi

Coulou bina
Coulou ma dimi
Mogo bina
Coula ma dimi
Et Allah coulibaly massassi

Digui tougou
Coulou bé mi
Digui sémé
Coulou bé mi
Et Allah coulibaly massassi

Coulibaly bitou si ou
Coulibaly massassi
Mianga la couli baliou
Coulibaly massassi
Coulibaly massassi
Coulibaly massassi
Coulibaly massassi

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song Coulibaly by Amadou & Mariam tell the story of a man named Coulibaly who is admired by all who know him. The refrain "Coulibaly massassi" is a term of praise and respect for the man, which is repeated throughout the song. The verses describe Coulibaly's strength and charisma, and his ability to bring people together. The lines "Watongan digui sé me aoula dé" and "Wanbena digui sé me aoula dé" translate to "He brings people together, and they all love him."

The song also references the importance of Allah in Coulibaly's life. The line "Et Allah coulibaly massassi" is repeated several times, emphasizing the idea that Coulibaly's strength and success are ultimately attributable to his faith. There are also references to "mogo binary gears," which could refer to a type of traditional African armor, or could have a more metaphorical meaning related to Coulibaly's fortitude and resilience.

Overall, the lyrics of Coulibaly paint a picture of a man who is admired and respected by all who know him, and who has achieved great success through strength, charisma, and faith.

Line by Line Meaning

Coulibaly massassi
Repeated affirmation of the name 'Coulibaly Massassi'

Watongan digui sé me aoula dé
Men and women come to greet (Coulibaly Massassi)

Wanbena digui sé me aoula dé
Children come to greet (Coulibaly Massassi)

Coulou bina
A small dove

Coulou ma dimi
The small dove dies

Mogo Binary Gears Coulou ma dimi
The person named 'Binary Gears' kills the small dove

Eh Allah coulibaly massassi
Oh God (please help) Coulibaly Massassi

Djigui tougou
The donkey's back

Coulou be mi
The small dove is not (there)

Djigui sé mé
On the top of the back

Et Allah coulibaly massassi
And Allah (please help) Coulibaly Massassi