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
Leer Gui Fall
Cheikh Lô Lyrics
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Guéthie sappé sou wétt
Guéthie sappé sou wétt
Guéthie sappé sou wétt
Yalla la defone n’ganay batakh na massoula
Neup fatal, bamba diouli guéthie
Guéthie sappé sou wétt
Ba fara béw bamba kharé mba am ndam
May gnouko, gnoukoy n’damo
Mame bamba mofi diouli guéthie
Guéthie sappé sou wétt
Kounek ngui wakh sa khalaat
Bamba djingui sounouy khalaat
Bouléne ko sakal morom, moro mantéwoul
Bougnouko wakhé amoul morom
Bougnouko wakhoul amoul morom
Bamba diara yém foko fék fofa la mane
Bamba weét si bindam
Bamou amé batay guissatou gnou kou mélni momo
Mame bamba mofi diouli guéthie
Kou nek ngui wakh sa khalaat
Bamba djingui sounouy khalaat
Bouléne ko sakal morom, moro mantéwoul
Gaalguay diow ba tisbaar, massine ba fardi sab
Soubhana wo bamba di borom milakhwa
Mame bamba mofi diouli guéthie
Guéthie sappé sou wétt
Mame bamba mofi diouli guéthie
Fékhlene ba woor, woolonténe
Sopantalene sama gaayi dimbalentelene
Fékhlene ba woor, woolonténe
Sopantelne sama gaayi dimbalentelene
Ah mame bamba, y adioara wolo
Mame bamba mofi diouli guéthie
Guéthie sappe kou wétt
The lyrics to Cheikh Lô's song "Leer Gui Fall" are in Wolof, a language spoken in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania. The song centers around Mame Bamba, a symbolic character who represents a spiritual leader or guide. "Leer Gui Fall" is a praise song honoring Mame Bamba and celebrating his wisdom and influence.
In the opening lines, the lyrics mention Mame Bamba's name and describe him as "diouli guéthie," which can be translated as a wise man or profound thinker. The repetition of "guéthie sappé sou wétt" emphasizes Mame Bamba's deep understanding and knowledge.
The lyrics also express a reverential tone towards Mame Bamba, referring to him as a leader chosen by God (Yalla la defone n’ganay) and someone who brings people together (Thionom dji mô diour diam dji). The line "May gnouko, gnoukoy n’damo" can be interpreted as a call for unity and harmony among people.
In the second verse, the lyrics mention Mame Bamba's influence on individuals, stating that he can see through their actions and intentions. The line "Bamba diara yém foko fék fofa la mane" suggests that Mame Bamba possesses a spiritual insight that allows him to discern truth from falsehood.
The following lines talk about the power and impact of Mame Bamba's teachings. The repetition of "Kounek ngui wakh sa khalaat" emphasizes the importance of listening and following his guidance.
Overall, "Leer Gui Fall" is a song of praise and admiration for Mame Bamba, highlighting his wisdom, influence, and ability to bring people together through his teachings.
Line by Line Meaning
Mame bamba mo fi diouli guéthie
Mame Bamba, your energy is unmatched
Guéthie sappé sou wétt
You are dressed in impeccable style
Yalla la defone n’ganay batakh na massoula
Oh God, grant us your blessings and protect us from evil
Neup fatal, bamba diouli guéthie
Keep shining, Mame Bamba, with your incredible energy
Thionom dji mô diour diam dji, gneuptal
No one can compare to your strength and power
Ba fara béw bamba kharé mba am ndam
You are always ready to face challenges head-on
May gnouko, gnoukoy n’damo
No matter the circumstances, you remain true to yourself
Kounek ngui wakh sa khalaat
You know how to handle difficult situations
Bamba djingui sounouy khalaat
Mame Bamba, you always find solutions
Bouléne ko sakal morom, moro mantéwoul
You never let anyone bring you down
Bougnouko wakhé amoul morom
You are not affected by negativity
Bougnouko wakhoul amoul morom
You do not let negativity control you
Bamba diara yém foko fék fofa la mane
Mame Bamba, your presence brings joy to everyone
Bamba weét si bindam
Your spirit cannot be contained
Bamou amé batay guissatou gnou kou mélni momo
Everyone admires your courage and determination
Bamba djingui sounouy khalaat
Mame Bamba, you always find solutions
Gaalguay diow ba tisbaar, massine ba fardi sab
Leave behind the negative, embrace the positive
Soubhana wo bamba di borom milakhwa
Praise be to God for blessing Mame Bamba
Fékhlene ba woor, woolonténe
You are full of love and kindness
Sopantalene sama gaayi dimbalentelene
You spread warmth wherever you go
Ah mame bamba, y adioara wolo
Oh Mame Bamba, you are truly remarkable
Mame bamba mofi diouli guéthie
Mame Bamba, your energy is unmatched
Guéthie sappe kou wétt
You are dressed in impeccable style
Lyrics © WAGRAM PUBLISHING
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