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

Unissons-nous
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ka djê ka fô, kélê magni dé! Ooh...
Anw ka sigui ka fô, kêlê magni dé! Ooh...
Anw ka bén ka fô, kêlê magni dé! Ooh...
Anw ka da bi la, kêlê magni dé! Ooh...

C'est la famille.
Family, family
C'est des parents.

Parents, yeah
C'est des amis.
Yes, your friends
C'est des voisins.
Neighbours, yeah!

Ka djè ka fô. Kêlê magni dé!
Anw ka djè ka fô djaman ni gnogon tiè.
Anw ka djè ka fô Malien kêlê mogni dé.
Anw ka sigui ka fô.
Anw ka siyako kêlê dabila.
Anw ka djê kafô.
Guinéens ka siya ko kêlê dibila.
Anw ka sigui ka fô.
Ivoiriens ka siya ko kêlê dibila.
Les conflits raciaux ne sont pas bons.
S'asseoir et discuter ensemble!

Doctoro-ouw kêlê magni dé.
Patients ouw kêlê magni dé.
Artistouw kêlê magni dé.
Tailleurouw kêlê magni dé.
I ka don kêlê magni dé.
Moussoouw ka kêlê dabila.

C'est la famille.
Family, family
C'est des parents.
Parents, yeah
C'est des amis.
Yes, your friends
C'est des voisins.
Neighbours, yeah!

Badéma ka kêlê magnidé.
Chauffeurouw kêlê magnidé.
Clientouw kêlê magnidé.
Locateurouw kêlê magnidé.
Parentiouw kêlê magni dé.

C'est la famille.
Family, family
C'est des parents.
Parents, yeah
C'est des amis.
Yes, your friends
C'est des voisins.
Neighbours, yeah!

Unissons nous!
Entendez vous.
Comprenez vous.

C'est la famille.
Unissons nous!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Amadou & Mariam's song "Unissons Nous" are in French, which translates to "Let's Unite" or "Let's Come Together." The song starts with the repeated phrase "ka djê ka fô, kélê magni dé" which roughly means "let's work together, it will be better for everyone." This line is followed by "Anw ka sigui ka fô, kêlê magni dé," which translates to "let's walk together, it will be better for everyone." The song emphasizes the importance of unity and togetherness within a community or family, listing various groups including family, friends, neighbors, and even different ethnicities from different countries.

The song's chorus reinforces the message of unity, with the repeated phrase "c'est la famille" meaning "we are family." The verses further emphasize this message, by naming different professions and relationships, such as doctors, patients, artists, tailors, renters, chauffeurs, clients, and even landlords as part of the larger family or community. The song's final message is a call to action: "Unissons nous!" or "Let's unite!".

Overall, the lyrics of "Unissons Nous" promote communal solidarity and emphasize the importance of coming together as a community, regardless of differences or backgrounds.

Line by Line Meaning

Ka djê ka fô, kélê magni dé! Ooh...
C'est la famille.

Anw ka sigui ka fô, kêlê magni dé! Ooh...
Family, famille.

Anw ka bén ka fô, kêlê magni dé! Ooh...
C'est des parents.

Anw ka da bi la, kêlê magni dé! Ooh...
Parents, yeah.

Anw ka djè ka fô djaman ni gnogon tiè.
C'est des amis.

Anw ka djè ka fô Malien kêlê mogni dé.
Yes, your friends.

Anw ka sigui ka fô. Anw ka siyako kêlê dabila.
C'est des voisins. Neighbours, yeah!

Anw ka djê kafô. Guinéens ka siya ko kêlê dibila.
Les conflits raciaux ne sont pas bons.

Anw ka sigui ka fô. Ivoiriens ka siya ko kêlê dibila.
S'asseoir et discuter ensemble!

Doctoro-ouw kêlê magni dé.
C'est la famille.

Patients ouw kêlê magni dé.
Family, family.