Traoré, nicknamed "Kar Kar" ("the one who dribbles too much" in Bambara, a reference to his soccer playing), first came to prominence in the early 1960s. He had taught himself to play guitar and developed a unique style that blended blues, Arab music, and kassonké, a style native to the Kayes region. He was a superstar in Mali and a symbol of the newly independent country. His songs were immensely popular and he enjoyed regular radio play. However, he made no recordings, and since there were no royalties payed to musicians, he was very poor and had to work odd jobs to make ends meet.
During the 1970s Traoré's popularity faded, until a surprise television appearance in 1987. Soon after this "rediscovery," Boubacar's wife passed away. Grief-stricken, he moved to France and did construction work to support his six children. While there, a British record producer discovered a tape of one of Traoré's radio performances, and he was finally signed to a record deal. His first album, Mariama, was released in 1990. Since then, Traoré has enjoyed international popularity, touring Europe, Africa, and North America.
Boubacar Traoré was the subject of the 2001 film Je chanterai pour toi ("I'll Sing For You"), released on DVD in 2005.
M'Badehou
Boubacar Traoré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
Hé M'badehou yo
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
Hé M'badehou yo Diniaro
Mogosi ka na djougou mina kouma yé
Hé M'badehou yo diniaro
Mogossi ka na djougou mina kouma yé
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali soké la
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali doumini la
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali soké la
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali doumini la
Hé M'badehou yo
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
Wolona kouma bé mogo son akili la
Wolofa kouma bé mogo son akilila
Hé M'badehou yo
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
Hé ka an ka tilé déké
Douniaro dé !
Hé douniala yan tilé ké yoroyé
Dounouia kéra an tilé ké yoroyé
Hé M'badehou yo
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
Hé M'Badélou yo diniaro
Mogossi ka na djougou mina koumayé
Hé M'Badélou yo diniaro
Mogossi ka na djougou mina koumayé
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali soké la
Wolona kouma bé mogo son akilila
Wolofa kouma bé mogo son akilila
Hé M'badehou yo
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
The lyrics to Boubacar Traoré’s song M’Badehou describe the singer’s loneliness and his desire for companionship. The repetition of the phrase “Hé M'badehou yo” creates a haunting and almost melancholic tone. The lyrics also mention the act of dancing or “djigiyé nyogonyé”, which highlights the singer’s longing to connect with someone on a physical and emotional level. The phrase “Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé” can be translated to “my heart is dancing alone” which emphasizes the theme of isolation and longing.
The second verse of the song mentions the singer’s desire to leave his current situation and find something better. The use of the phrase “diniaro” suggests a more formal and proper way of speaking, which contrasts with the informal and almost colloquial use of language in the rest of the song. The line “Djougou kouma bé mogo bali soké la” can be interpreted as a call to action and a desire to move away from the sadness and loneliness of the past. The final repetition of the phrase “Hé M'badehou yo” reinforces the theme of longing and brings the song full circle.
Overall, the lyrics of M’Badehou convey a powerful message of loneliness and the universal desire for companionship and connection. The repetition of certain phrases and their use in different contexts throughout the song create a sense of melancholy but also a call to action and a desire for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Hé M'badehou yo
Hey, M'badehou, my friend
An ka djigiyé nyogonyé
In a world full of problems, we persevere
Mogonifi djigiyé kélén yé
Through it all, we remain strong
Hé M'badehou yo Diniaro
Hey, M'badehou, my trusted companion
Mogosi ka na djougou mina kouma yé
We face the difficulties of life together
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali soké la
We overcome obstacles one by one
Djougou kouma bé mogo bali doumini la
We face each day with determination
Wolona kouma bé mogo son akili la
We share our experiences and knowledge
Wolofa kouma bé mogo son akilila
We help each other grow and learn
Hé ka an ka tilé déké
Hey, don't forget
Douniaro dé !
This world is tough!
Hé douniala yan tilé ké yoroyé
Hey, let's deal with it together
Dounouia kéra an tilé ké yoroyé
In this life, we need each other
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOUBACAR TRAORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@enriquegalan6766
Greetings from Miami. Love this guy. Also liked Duna Ma Yelema, with Ali Farka Toure.
@henrymugerwa3850
Pure African music...lots of love from Uganda
@anjumalvi3038
What a wonderful voice!!
@wiilshidan6404
Classic Muzik greetings from Somalia 🇸🇴
@footjer
Asc. Walaal Gacaliye, Adoo iga Raali ah, haddii aad I dhibsato!. Ma ahan Classical Music, Balse Waa Blues Music ama Sida kulyadda Barashadda Hiddaha iyo Fanka (Julliard) ay ku Qeexaan “African Blues”. Mr. Kar Kar, oo lagu Neynaaso B.Traore. Mali - West Africa.
@pablomatiasvidal
Greetings from Argentina
@shifu4924
Greetings from Serbia
@user-rk3tz1ev3b
My best every dy
@theheartofoak
Greetings from Sudan
@nadiaammour5530
Nice music. Thanks from North-Africa