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

Lahilala
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Où sont les vrais croyants, les érudits, les pèlerins,
Qui font des bonnes œuvres uniquement pour Dieu ?
Nous saluons Adama Diarra qui est le fils de Sirama Diarra,
Adama Diarra qui est l'espoir des orphelins,
Des enfants déshérités et de tous les Maliens.

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics are from the song "Lahilala" by Amadou & Mariam. In these lines, the artists ask where the true believers, scholars, and pilgrims are - those who perform good deeds solely for the love of God. The song pays tribute to Adama Diarra, the son of Sirama Diarra, who is an inspiration to orphans, disadvantaged children, and all Malians. The lyrics serve as a call to action, encouraging listeners to follow in Adama's footsteps and act with compassion and integrity.

Beyond its powerful message, "Lahilala" is also musically compelling. The song blends traditional West African rhythms with contemporary instrumentation, resulting in a unique and captivating sound. Amadou & Mariam's passionate vocals and intricate guitar work are accompanied by a driving beat and melodic bassline, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The song's chorus is particularly evocative, featuring a call and response between the artists and a choir of voices.

Overall, "Lahilala" is a moving tribute to the power of faith and the importance of social responsibility. Through its meaningful lyrics and captivating musicality, it serves as both an uplifting anthem and a powerful call to action.

Line by Line Meaning

Où sont les vrais croyants, les érudits, les pèlerins,
Where are the true believers, the scholars, the pilgrims,

Qui font des bonnes œuvres uniquement pour Dieu ?
Who do good deeds solely for God?

Nous saluons Adama Diarra qui est le fils de Sirama Diarra,
We greet Adama Diarra who is the son of Sirama Diarra,

Adama Diarra qui est l'espoir des orphelins,
Adama Diarra who is the hope of orphans,

Des enfants déshérités et de tous les Maliens.
Of disadvantaged children and all Malians.

Lyrics © SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Amadou BAGAYOKO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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