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
Welcome to Mali
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Anw duya yé tolo kê yoro yé.
Anw bo kê ko yan.
Anw bo kê ko yan.
Djama!
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê.
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi.
Ni kêra tiè fê sabali yonkontê.
Ni kêra Mousso fê Sabali yonkontê.
Wo! ouh! Wo! sabali, sabali, sabali kagni.
Cherie, je m'adresse à toi.
Avec toi, cherie la vie est belle.
Avec toi, cherie,
Ça c'est pour la vie.
Cherie, je te fais un gros bisou.
Je te fais un gros bisou.
Je t'embrasse fort.
Bye-bye!
The first verse of Amadou and Mariam's song Welcome to Mali seems to be a call to the people of Mali to come together and embrace their culture and heritage. "Anw na ku yé foli de yé" translates to "Let us protect our wealth," implying that the people should preserve their cultural heritage. The next two lines, "Anw duya yé tolo kê yoro yé. Anw bo kê ko yan," translate to "Let us progress together, let us never be divided." This is a call for unity and cooperation to move forward as a country.
The chorus of the song, "Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê. Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi" means "Patience, patience, patience is what is needed. Patience, patience, patience is what we need." This could be interpreted as a reminder to the people of Mali that progress takes time and patience. It may also suggest that they need to be patient with each other, collaborating to achieve progress rather than allowing their differences to divide them.
The second verse is more personal, with Amadou addressing his wife, beginning "Cherie, je m'adresse à toi" which translates to "Darling, I'm speaking to you." The verse goes on to express his love for her and how she makes his life beautiful. The last few lines are a goodbye with Amadou expressing his affection, saying "Je te fais un gros bisou. Je t'embrasse fort." meaning "I give you a big kiss. I kiss you strongly."
Overall, the song Welcome to Mali is a celebration of Malian culture and heritage, calling for unity and patience in moving forward as a country. It also expresses a deeply personal love between Amadou and his wife.
Line by Line Meaning
Anw na ku yé foli de yé.
We are young and strong.
Anw duya yé tolo kê yoro yé.
We can do anything we want.
Anw bo kê ko yan.
We know what we are doing.
Djama!
Let's go!
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê.
Patience! Patience! Patience is what we need.
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi.
Patience! Patience! Patience is the word.
Ni kêra môgô fê sabali yonkontê.
My brother, we need to be patient.
Ni kêra tiè fê sabali yonkontê.
My sister, we need to be patient.
Ni kêra Mousso fê Sabali yonkontê.
My mother, we need to be patient.
Wo! ouh! Wo! sabali, sabali, sabali kagni.
Oh! Yes! Patience is a wonderful thing.
Cherie, je m'adresse à toi.
Darling, I am talking to you.
Avec toi, cherie la vie est belle.
Life is beautiful with you, my love.
Avec toi, cherie,
With you, my love,
Ça c'est pour la vie.
This is forever.
Cherie, je te fais un gros bisou.
Darling, I am sending you a big kiss.
Je te fais un gros bisou.
I am sending you a big kiss.
Je t'embrasse fort.
I am hugging you tightly.
Bye-bye!
Goodbye!
Lyrics © REVA SONS, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE
Written by: AMADOU BAGAYOKO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bouboudembele256
Gracias a todos 🙏🏾🇲🇱💪🏾
@KenjiKussano
Such a great song, heard it during 2010´s World Cup and it never left my head
@marce90r
same happened to me, great song.
@santosffc
Me either!
@thehipi
Great music, and it sounds even better during their incredible performances. If you get a chance to catch them live, don't miss it!
@johnrankin7135
Can confirm
@zuleymagonzalezt2433
Aquí escuchando esta maravillosa música desde Puerto Ordaz Venezuela!
@ZeriMelodik
I Love your music, I Love your people!
@albertineno2443
Superbe! Merci bien 🙂💕
@corinthians77.
I love soccer.
But I don't even remember who won the 2010 World Cup.
But I never forgot this Amadou & Mariam show. And that song always comes to my mind.
Music is power.
Brazil - São Paulo City - East Side.
✊🏾