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
Wily Kataso
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Really .ikono
Obama.kora.
Away away go
I really kataukaso I'm in the city.
Leave us and .alone
Thinking you know best
Give our ears to rest
Take your tired tune and you're self back home
Now you've had yourself, move yourself away
Away away, go home
Really kataukaso.
Really kataukaso.
The song "Wily Kataso" by Amadou & Mariam feat. Babatunde Adebimpe & Kyp Malone expresses a feeling of being lost and overwhelmed in the city, surrounded by people who talk a lot but offer little substance. The use of the phrase "Obama.bora" suggests a sense of confusion or disorientation, as if the singer is struggling to navigate their surroundings. The repetition of "Really .ikono Obama.kora" reinforces this feeling of being lost or unsure.
The chorus, which features the repeated phrase "Wily Kataso," seems to offer a sense of relief or release. The translation of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it might mean something like "let's go away" or "let's leave this behind." The lyrics urge the listener to move away from the noise and confusion of the city and find a quiet, peaceful place where they can be alone.
Overall, "Wily Kataso" is a song about the challenges of modern life and the desire to escape from it all. It speaks to a feeling that many people can probably relate to at some point in their lives - the sense that things are moving too quickly, and that it's important to take a step back and find some peace and quiet.
Line by Line Meaning
Wily Kataso I'm in a. Obama.bora
I am currently in the city of Obama and feeling crafty.
Really .ikono
Truly, I am feeling wild and spontaneous.
Obama.kora.
I am enjoying myself in this city and its culture.
Away away go
Please leave us alone and go away.
I really kataukaso I'm in the city.
I am really feeling energetic and lively in this city.
Leave us and .alone
We would appreciate it if you could leave us be and not bother us.
Here talk a lot and that's all you got
All you do is talk excessively and boast, without any real substance to offer.
Thinking you know best
You seem to believe that you know everything and that your opinions are superior to everyone else's.
Give our ears to rest
Please stop talking and give us a break from your meaningless chatter.
Take your tired tune and you're self back home
Take your unoriginal ideas and go back to where you came from.
Now you've had yourself, move yourself away
Now that you have had your say, it would be best for you to leave and not bother us again.
Away away, go home
Please leave us alone and return to your own home.
Really kataukaso.
I am truly feeling lively and unstoppable.
Really kataukaso.
Once again, I am feeling energetic and ready to take on anything.
Writer(s): Mariam Doumbia, Marc Antoine Moreau, Kype Malone, Tunde Adebimpe
Contributed by Kennedy Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.