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 ↴
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
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
Kanou gnogon
The horse's legs
Fourou gnogon
The mule's legs
Coulibaly massassi
Repeated affirmation of the name 'Coulibaly Massassi'
Mogo bina
The person named 'Bina'
Digui tougou
The donkey's back
Digui sémé
On the top of the back
Coulibaly bitou si ou
Coulibaly, put your arms around me
Mianga la couli baliou
The parents of the bride and the groom
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE
Written by: AMADOU BAGAYOKO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gentl3man_
Depuis mon enfance... 2024 suis toujours la ❤🌍 God bless Africa
@laobazou1238
Fier d'être un Coulibaly .merci pour l'hommage. C'est l'Afrique qui gagne
@harphan
Superbe ! la musique malienne est magnifique...................
@sorayacoulibaly9221
Fière de nous
@davidscobie296
My favorite guitar work! Genius! The guitar line hangs behind the beat beautifully.
@bintoucoulibaly3222
Merci pour nous les coulibaly masasi
@souleymanecoulibaly4928
Fier d'être un Coulibaly
@free-turin
these two always bring it but this track and the vibe is so good ❤
@blessedlove2113
Encore encore
@jhonadms8253
Soumaila coulibaly la bonne chanson pour tous les coulibaly merci Amadou et mariam