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
Sebeke
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chaud! Chaud! Chaud!
Nafolo tiaman baouw.
O bê bê dounouya kônô.
Wari tiaman baouw.
O bê bê dounouya kônô.
Sanou tiaman baouw.
An ka sobê kê.
Ni anw ma sobê kê.
An bê na nimissa fou.
Tié gnouman baouw.
Mousso gnoumanbaouw.
Dénmissin gnoumanbaouw.
O bê bê dounouya kônô. [repeat verse]
An ka sobê kê.
Ni anw ma sobê kê.
An bê na nimissa fou.
Yé!
Ah! Oh! Ah!
Baby, kiss me.
I love you.
Cherie, baby.
Nafolo tiamanbaouw.
O bêbê dounouya kônô.
Wari tiamanbaouw.
O bêbê dounouya kônô.
Sanou tiamanbaouw.
An ka sobê kê.
Ni anw ma sobê kê.
An bê na nimissa fou.
Tié gnouman baouw.
Mousso gnoumanbaouw.
Dénmissin gnoumanbaouw.
O bê bê dounouya kônô. [repeat verse]
The lyrics of Amadou & Mariam's song "Sebeke" are in Bambara, a West African language spoken in Mali, and are hard to translate exactly, but the gist of the song is about the power of music and the joy and connection it brings. The opening lines "Allez! Allez! Allez! Chaud! Chaud! Chaud!" can be translated as "Go! Go! Go! Hot! Hot! Hot!" and set the tone for the upbeat, danceable track. The following verses speak of the different types of music that bring people together, from traditional and cultural to contemporary and popular. The repetition of the line "O bê bê dounouya kônô" reinforces the message of the song - no matter the style of music, it all brings us together.
The verses that follow the chorus speak of personal connections and love, with lyrics like "Baby, kiss me. I love you. Cherie, baby." They are delivered with a heartfelt sincerity and add a personal touch to the song. The use of call-and-response, as heard in lines like "An ka sobê kê" and "Ni anw ma sobê kê," is a common feature of traditional West African music and further emphasizes the communal nature of the lyrics.
Overall, "Sebeke" is a celebration of music and its ability to bridge cultural divides and bring people together in joy and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Allez! Allez! Allez! Chaud! Chaud! Chaud!
An expression of excitement and anticipation for what is to come.
Nafolo tiaman baouw. O bê bê dounouya kônô.
Our love is like a tree with deep roots. It will endure any obstacle or challenge.
Wari tiaman baouw. O bê bê dounouya kônô.
Our love is like the water that nourishes that tree. It flows and adapts, changing but never faltering.
Sanou tiaman baouw. O bê bê dounouya kônô. [repeat verse]
Our love is like the sun that shines on that tree. It warms and sustains, giving life to all it touches.
An ka sobê kê. Ni anw ma sobê kê. An bê na nimissa fou.
We are two souls entwined together. We cannot be separated, for we are one in spirit.
Tié gnouman baouw. Mousso gnoumanbaouw. Dénmissin gnoumanbaouw. O bê bê dounouya kônô. [repeat verse]
From the smallest leaf to the tallest branch, our love encompasses all. It is the foundation of our being, the wellspring of our joy.
Yé! Ah! Oh! Ah!
An expression of pure emotion, a release of energy and passion.
Baby, kiss me. I love you. Cherie, baby.
An intimate moment between lovers, affirming the depth of their love and commitment.
Lyrics © REVA SONS, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE
Written by: Mariam DOUMBIA, Amadou BAGAYOKO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yannwilly678
Je puis vous assurer que que vous les voyez en direct à un concert, c'est juste génialissime , c'est énorme .J'en garde encore un souvenir mémorable, époustouflant.
@globetrotter17
I like the "secret ending" 🙂
@bouhrigarachida6838
très bien
@arisage76
Moi je vous aimes les inséparables que du bien que dieu vous protège
@rocsirreal5392
Beautiful vibes for the soul
@lookluk7724
Magnifiques
@elijahblumenkranz61
the shiz
@weatherman2007
what is the name of the.second track?
@antoinegauffin8143
Storm Chaser it is called Boula but I can’t Find anything about it on the internet
@oumardiaby6202
It's called Boula.