Djama
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

The song "Djama" by Amadou & Mariam is a celebration of life and the power of music to bring people together. The lyrics are in Bambara, one of the most widely spoken languages in Mali, and the song is full of call-and-response chants that evoke the spirit of the griot tradition. The opening lines of the song are "Djama! Nè kodo fô m'badénouw yé. Sé tigui yé Ala yé," which can be translated as "Come together! Don't forget to share. It's the will of God." The repetition of "Sé tigui yé Ala yé" reinforces the idea of divine will and the importance of unity.

Throughout the song, Amadou & Mariam use playful lyrics and catchy melodies to express their joy and optimism. They sing about dancing, singing, and playing music all night long, and they encourage listeners to join in on the fun. The chorus, "Kobêyé wagatiyé," is a call to dance, and it's repeated many times over the course of the song. Other lines, like "Dja ko mana guêlèya tjoguo tjoguo," which means "I'm feeling good, step by step," and "Môgô mi mana mosso fourou dabo," which means "I'm ready to dance until dawn," capture the infectious spirit of the song.

Overall, "Djama" is a celebration of the communal experience of music and dance. The call-and-response structure of the lyrics encourages listeners to join in, and the catchy melody and joyful lyrics create a sense of excitement and celebration. The song captures the spirit of Amadou & Mariam's music, which is rooted in West African tradition but also incorporates elements of rock, pop, and blues.