Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Maria… Read Full Bio ↴Amadou and Mariam are 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). 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 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

Laban
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"Si tu deviens célèbre, l
es on-dit diffèrent en ta présence ou en ton absence"
Yé yé ya yé
Yé yé kanou djati Mariam
Djon bé ni dakan
Han kanou djati Mariam
Djon bé ni dakan
Ko ni Allah yiké wari ba tigui yé

Katla kiké daoula tigui yé
Ou bé mi fi ko Mariam
Ou to fi gnana
Ko ni Allah yiké togo tigui yé
Katla kiké donguili dala yé
Ou bé mi fi ko Mariam
Ou to fi gnana
Ko ni Allah yiké dongo tigui yé
Katla kiké nafolo tigui yé
Ou bé mi fi ko Mamou
Ou to fi gnana
Han mogo béka djoro laban tjogo la
Ko djon si ti laban don
Né bé djoro laban tjogo la
Ko djon bé ni dakan
So kadi tjé dola woula mandi la
Dja oula kadi tjé dola so mandi la
Han bèki laban djoro né ba mogo si ti laban kodo
Ko ni Allah yiké wari ba tigui yé
Katla kiké daoula tgui yé
Ou bé mi fi ko Mariam
Ou to fi gnana
Ko ni Allah yiké togo tigui yé
Katla kiké donguili dala yé
Ou bé mi fi ko djama
Ou to fi gnana
Ko ni Allah yiké dongo tigui yé
Katla kiké nafolo tigui yé

Ou bé mi fi ko mamou
Ou to fi gnana

Overall Meaning

The opening line of Amadou & Mariam's song Laban speaks to the way rumors or gossip can impact a person's reputation, particularly when they become famous. The lyrics suggest that people's perceptions of someone can shift depending on whether they are present or not. The song continues with verses that intertwine devotion to Allah with love for others. Mariam sings about her love for Amadou, and the two express their mutual support and admiration for each other. They also sing about their love for their family members, including Mamou and Djama. Throughout the song, the melody is both lively and romantic, emphasizing the love and joy the couple shares.

Line by Line Meaning

Si tu deviens célèbre, les on-dit diffèrent en ta présence ou en ton absence
If you become famous, the rumors about you will change whether you are present or not

Yé yé ya yé
N/A - this line is repetitive and does not have a distinct meaning

Yé yé kanou djati Mariam
N/A - this line is repetitive and does not have a distinct meaning

Djon bé ni dakan
I have nothing more to say

Han kanou djati Mariam
Oh, Mariam, my dear

Ko ni Allah yiké wari ba tigui yé
May Allah protect us from evil

Katla kiké daoula tigui yé
May we never lose our wealth

Ou bé mi fi ko Mariam
I have trust in Mariam

Ou to fi gnana
She has knowledge

Ko ni Allah yiké togo tigui yé
May Allah protect us on our journey

Katla kiké donguili dala yé
May we never forget our roots

Ou bé mi fi ko djama
I have trust in my community

Ko ni Allah yiké dongo tigui yé
May Allah protect us from harm