In the aftermath of the Guinean Independence in 1958 and the encouragement of cultural pride, numerous bands sprang up throughout the African country. The first dance bands were state-supported orchestras, and included popular groups like Lanaya Jazz, Keletigui et ses Tambourins and Super Boiro. The most popular was Bembeya Jazz National, formed by vocalist Aboubacar Dembar Camara in 1961. Specializing in modern arrangements of Manding classic tunes, Bembeya Jazz National won the first two national Biennale festivals in 1962 and 1964 and was crowned National Orchestra in 1966.
Initially a seven-piece group, featuring a Latin-flavored horn section of saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet, Bembeya Jazz National reached its apex with the addition of electric guitarist Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabate and lead singer Sekouba Mabino Diabate (no relation). Although prohibited from touring outside Guinea until the mid-'80s, Bembeya Jazz National continued to build a cult-like following in its home country.
Bembeya Jazz National's most ambitious album, Regard Sur Le Passe, released in 1968, was a musical tribute to the memory of Samory Toure, who founded the Mande kingdom in 1870. A live album, 10 Ans De Succes, was recorded during a 1971 concert.
A set-back for the band came in 1973 when Camara was killed in an auto accident on his way to a concert in Dakar. Although they remained together for another eight years, Bembeya Jazz National was unable to duplicate the success of their earliest years. The group disbanded in 1991 with Sekou Diabate and Sekouba Bambino Diabate going on to successful solo careers.
However, it reformed in the late 1990s and has toured Europe and North America in the early 2000s.
Doni Doni
Bembeya Jazz National Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Mes copains ont des voitures
Mes copains ont des villas
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Mes copains ont des villas
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Mes copains ont des voitures
Mes copains ont des villas
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Mes copains sont partit
Il y en a d'autre à l'aventure,
Oui, mais moi je suis la
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Doni doni (?)
Doni doni (?)
Doni doni (?)
Ooh yeah yeah!
(...)
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Il n'est jamais trop tard
Mes copains ont des voitures
Mes copains ont des villas
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Mes copains sont partit
Il y en a d'autre à l'aventure,
Oui, mais moi je suis la
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Doni doni (?)
Doni doni (?)
Doni doni (?)
The lyrics of Bembeya Jazz National's "Doni Doni" convey a message of perseverance and individuality in the face of societal pressure and comparisons to others. The repeated phrase "Il n'est jamais trop tard" translates to "It's never too late," emphasizing that the singer is content with his own pace and path in life, even if it differs from his friends who have cars and villas. He repeats the phrase to reinforce the idea that there is no right or wrong timeline for success and happiness.
The lines "Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid" translate to "Little by little, the bird makes its nest," which further emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards one's goals and allowing them to come together over time. The phrase "Doni doni" is not translatable, but is believed to be a reference to the Mandinga word for "slowly" or "little by little," which ties into the main message of the song.
Overall, "Doni Doni" is a reminder to find contentment in one's own journey and pace, rather than comparing oneself to others and feeling inadequate. The lyrics suggest that success is not just measured by material possessions and societal expectations, but also by personal growth and the steps taken towards fulfilling one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Il n'est jamais trop tard
There is never a time that is too late for anything.
Il n'est jamais trop tard
There is never a time that is too late for anything.
Il n'est jamais trop tard
There is never a time that is too late for anything.
Mes copains ont des voitures
My friends have cars.
Mes copains ont des villas
My friends have villas/houses.
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Oh, but I do not care about that.
Mes copains ont des voitures
My friends have cars.
Mes copains ont des villas
My friends have villas/houses.
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Oh, but I do not care about that.
Il n'est jamais trop tard
There is never a time that is too late for anything.
Il n'est jamais trop tard
There is never a time that is too late for anything.
Il n'est jamais trop tard
There is never a time that is too late for anything.
Mes copains ont des voitures
My friends have cars.
Mes copains ont des villas
My friends have villas/houses.
Ohh, mais moi je m'en fou
Oh, but I do not care about that.
Mes copains sont partit
My friends have left.
Il y en a d'autre à l'aventure,
There are others on an adventure.
Oui, mais moi je suis la
Yes, but I am here.
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Little by little the bird builds its nest.
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Little by little the bird builds its nest.
Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid
Little by little the bird builds its nest.
Doni doni (?)
Phrase of uncertain meaning, possibly referring to doing something slowly and diligently.
Doni doni (?)
Phrase of uncertain meaning, possibly referring to doing something slowly and diligently.
Doni doni (?)
Phrase of uncertain meaning, possibly referring to doing something slowly and diligently.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edouardsene1695
le plus grand groupe musicale africain de tous les temps
@lionelnguetta8880
Le bon vieux temps . cette musique n'a rien avoir avec les casseroles que nous ecoutons aujourd'hui
@mamadoundiaye1679
La Guinée sous le régime du président sékou Touré a fasciné le monde de par sa musique ,le bembeya jazz et son sport particulièrement le football avec le Hafia de Conakry :reposez en paix que le paradis soit votre demeure éternellement Amin
@user-mf6vd8fb9b
Meilleures orchestre Africaine
@djibrilbathily8600
L’inégalable soliste diamond fingers
@armandsene8139
Pure régal ce Son , je ne m’en lasse pas♥️
@ourozthehorseman
Nice song, love it.
@visiontv1073
Des génies de la musiques ,on va leur rendre hommage toujours.
@AFRODUB
Great for ever my favourite version, Camara such a wonderful voice, and suprano saxphone
@abdoulrahimediallo5763
Bembeya jazz national, une fierté africaine!!!!!