The son of a successful jeweler, Lô was born in Bobo-Dioulasso, a small village near Senegal's border with Mali. He grew up speaking Bambara, Wolof, and French. As a youngster, he became fascinated with music and taught himself to play drums and guitar. In 1976, he accepted an invitation to join a local group, Orchestra Volta Jazz, as a percussionist. He remained with the band until moving to the capital city of Dakar in 1980.
Lô quickly became involved with the music scene of Dakar. After a three-year stint as drummer for progressive vocalist Ouza, he joined the house band at the Hotel Savana in 1984. Although he performed with the group for a little over a year, the experience exposed him to a global range of pop influences.
Emigrating to France in 1985, Lô found work as a session drummer in Paris. Soon afterward, he purchased his first guitar and began writing songs. Although he formed a band with Ivoirean and French musicians and began working on an album in 1987, the group separated before its completion. Lô's debut solo album, Doxandeme (Immigrants), was released as a cassette in 1990. Despite receiving a Nouveau Talent award, the album fell short of Lô's artistic expectations. Although he began working on a second album, he became disenchanted and canceled the project. For the next four years, he maintained a low profile.
In 1995, Lô convinced Youssou N'Dour, whom he met in 1989 while playing on an album by traditional Wolof griot singer N'diaga M'baye, to produce an album for him. The resulting album, Ne La Thiass, was released on N'Dour's label, Jololi, shortly before Lô joined the multi-artist Jololi Revue tour in November 1996. Lô continued to promote the album during a European tour with his own eight-piece band, N'Diguel, in April 1997. The same year, Lô received Best Newcomer and Kora All-American awards in South Africa. Lô continued to expand his following to the United States as a featured performer with Africa Fete in 1998. The following year, he received the Ordre National de Merite de Leon from the president of Senegal. In 2000, he returned to recording with the release of Bambay Gueej. The title means "bamba, ocean of peace," and was co-produced by Nick Gold and Youssou N'Dour. Lamp Fall appeared in 2006 from Nonesuch Records. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
Kouma Magni
Cheikh Lô Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kobe Alaleno,
Kobe Alaleno,
Koloube Alaleno,
Koloube Alaleno,
Ah Fadenlou Badenlou
Aw ya to kouma magni,
Yelema Yelema so
The lyrics of Cheikh Lô's song "Kouma Magni" delve into themes of perseverance in the face of adversity and the necessity of resilience in difficult times. The repeated phrases "Kouma Magni" and "Kobe Alaleno" emphasize a sense of determination and strength, urging the listener to continue moving forward despite challenges. The repetition of these phrases creates a hypnotic effect, reinforcing the message of persistence and endurance.
The lines "Ah Fadenlou Badenlou" suggest a call for unity and solidarity, highlighting the importance of coming together to support one another. This may refer to communal strength and the idea that facing challenges is easier when individuals join forces and stand together. The use of rhythmic repetition in the lyrics further emphasizes the collective spirit and shared resilience that is needed to overcome obstacles.
The phrase "Aw ya to kouma magni" could be interpreted as a declaration of determination and resolve. It conveys a sense of empowerment and agency, encouraging the listener to embrace their inner strength and assert their ability to overcome difficulties. The repetition of these affirming words serves as a form of self-empowerment and motivation, inspiring the listener to believe in their own capabilities.
Overall, "Kouma Magni" conveys a powerful message of perseverance, unity, and inner strength in the face of adversity. Through its repetitive and rhythmic lyrics, the song emphasizes the importance of resilience and the collective power of community support. It serves as a rallying cry for perseverance and determination, urging listeners to hold onto their resolve and continue moving forward despite challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Kouma Magni
Just like a pot, you are valuable and irreplaceable
Kobe Alaleno
You shine brightly and bring light to those around you
Koloube Alaleno
Your beauty and radiance are unmatched
Ah Fadenlou Badenlou
You are full of grace and elegance
Aw ya to kouma magni
Oh, how precious and cherished you are
Yelema Yelema so
Keep shining and spreading your light everywhere you go
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, WAGRAM PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MAMADOU MOUSTAPHA LO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marta
on Sankara
Hola, que preciosa canción. Gracias por compartir esta información. Me encantaría tener las letras para poder cantarla. He buscado por internet pero no he encontrado nada