The duo produces music that mixes 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).
www.amadou-mariam.com
Djuru
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics
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Djama, danaya ka guêlè
Layidou ka guêlè
An ka djidja ka kê danamogo yé
Djama
Ni yé filaouw ka missi djourouta
Ni yé wouayé ka sôgô djourouta
I ki djadja ka sara a sara touma na
Ni yé somono ka djaiguai djourouta
I ki djidja ka sara a sara toumana
Ni yé kadoouw ka djiba djourouta
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
Ni yé marakaouw ka wari djourouta
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
Ni yé itériouw ka fini djourouta
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
Ni yé itériouw ka samara djourouta
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
Ni yé môgô ka ton wari djourouta
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
Ni yé môgô ka Pari wari tiè kodou
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
Na massé ka sara a sara toumana
Aouw kana kê ni jongon na maloya yé
Na massé ka sara a sara toumana
Aouw kana kê ni kêlê ban baliyé
Djama, danaya ka guêlè
Layidou ka guêlè
An ka djidja ka kê danamogo yé
Djama
The song "Djuru" by Amadou & Mariam is a tribute to the people of Mali, the country where they grew up. The lyrics are sung in Bambara language, and they reflect the everyday life and struggles of the Malian people. The song starts with the question "Est-ce que ça va?" which means "Are you alright?" and then goes on to describe the different challenges people face in Mali.
The first part of the song talks about the difficulties of finding water in a dry land. "Djama, danaya ka guêlè, Layidou ka guêlè" means "Children, the water is finished, Let's go get some more water". The second part describes the challenges of farming, where people have to deal with drought and pests. The third part talks about the challenges of raising livestock, where animals fall ill and die, leaving the herders with no income.
Overall, the lyrics of "Djuru" reflect the resilience of the Malian people in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they face, they are able to find joy in life and celebrate their culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Djama, danaya ka guêlè
Greetings, hope it's going well?
Layidou ka guêlè
I hope it's going well for you too
An ka djidja ka kê danamogo yé
As for me, I'm doing my best to make it through
Ni yé filaouw ka missi djourouta
I have a wife who cooks well
I ki djidja ka sara a sara touma na
And I eat to satisfaction every day from her good cooking
Ni yé wouayé ka sôgô djourouta
I have a woman who weaves clothes well
Ni yé somono ka djaiguai djourouta
I have a woman who cures illness
Ni yé kadoouw ka djiba djourouta
I have a woman who braids hair well
Ni yé marakaouw ka wari djourouta
I have a woman who sells goods well
Ni yé itériouw ka fini djourouta
I have a woman who hawks well
Ni yé itériouw ka samara djourouta
I have a woman who sells milk well
Ni yé môgô ka ton wari djourouta
I have a son who sells goods in the market
Ni yé môgô ka Pari wari tiè kodou
I have a son who has gone to Paris to work
Na massé ka sara a sara toumana
I eat to satisfaction every day
Aouw kana kê ni jongon na maloya yé
May you always have happiness and joy in your life
Na massé ka sara a sara toumana
I eat to satisfaction every day
Aouw kana kê ni kêlê ban baliyé
May you always have strength and good fortune in your life
Djama, danaya ka guêlè
Greetings, hope it's going well?
Lyrics © REVA SONS, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE
Written by: MARIAM DOUMBIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind