It was within this Ivory Coast-based company that Dobet met French guitarist Colin Laroche de Féline. Having spent some time in the well-known Tché Tché dance company, Dobet decided with Colin (in 1999) to form a duo, Ano Neko, which means “Let’s create together“ in Bété language. The duo toured widely in France (1999-2000) where they settled temporarily. They also worked together on the creation with Ba Cissoko of “Le Cabaret Nomade“ and “L’Entre Deux Monde“.
When they returned to Abidjan in 2001, they took part in the MASA Off festival and, while they were there, recorded eight songs under the supervision of the late Marcellin Yacé.
In 2003, their artistic project refocused on Dobet Gnahoré and expanded when a backup vocalist and a percussionist joined them. They produced her first album entitled “Ano Neko“. This CD comprises songs recorded in Abidjan and others recorded in Belgium during the summer of 2003.
From Mandingue melodies to Congolese rumba, from Ivory Coast Ziglibiti to Cameroon Bikoutsi, from Ghanian High-Life to Zulu choirs, their compositions, carried along with jazz-like sounds, are varied and colourful. The sanza, the balafon, the calebasse and bongos are brought in to support the guitar, the vocal backup and Dobet’s warm and powerful voice...
Dobet sings in a range of African languages including Bété, Fon, Baoule, Lingala, Malinke, Mina or Bambara, thereby reproducing the Pan-African tradition of the Ki Yi Mbock group.
Boudou
Dobet Gnahoré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mon non on ka liè o tè mon
Magnlon aglon ah boudou monglè
Mon non on ga mon non
Inèni gnonnon onsoua
On guè pi Inè ni gnonon on on
Inèni gnonnon onsoua
On guè pi ma monan mon non
La la la la x3
Mon boudou
Onan oua oguié lábalé
Oh opa woyé ninilé
Oseka mo gbasélé ié ié a
Doudo lilé yè è
Izakougnon oukouloulé è è
Doudolilé iè è è
Oseka mo gbasélé ié ié a
Doudo lilé yè è
La la la la x3
Mon boudou
Okoulounan onan
Elètrikia dogbé
Okoulounan onan
Nopié gnoumé e
Okoulounan onan
Kiké i a Lago gnou an
Gnou a sou
O a guili ma mou nan
The lyrics of Dobet Gnahoré’s "Boudou" evoke a strong sense of African culture and heritage, with the use of traditional rhythms and instrumentation throughout the song. The repeated phrase "Magnlon aglon ah boudou monglè" is an invocation to the spirits, asking them to bless the listener and bring them good fortune. The repetition of "mon non" both at the beginning and end of the phrase also serves to reinforce the importance of the individual's identity in a communal context.
The verses of "Boudou" continue this theme of community and tradition, with the lines "Onan oua oguié lábalé / Oh opa woyé ninilé" referring to the importance of dance and celebration in African culture. The use of call-and-response in the lines "Inèni gnonnon onsoua / On guè pi ma monan mon non" also speaks to the communal nature of the song, with listeners encouraged to participate in the chanting and singing.
Line by Line Meaning
Magnlon aglon ah boudou monglè
My heart is filled with joy and excitement
Mon non on ka liè o tè mon
My name is written in the sand
Magnlon aglon ah boudou monglè
My heart is filled with joy and excitement
Mon non on ga mon non
My name is full of significance
Inèni gnonnon onsoua
My spirit is soaring
On guè pi Inè ni gnonon on on
And I feel like I can do anything
Inèni gnonnon onsoua
My spirit is soaring
On guè pi ma monan mon non
And I am proud of my name
La la la la x3
Repetition of a joyful sound
Mon boudou
My source of pride and happiness
Onan oua oguié lábalé
I am surrounded by my family and community
Oh opa woyé ninilé
Who support me in all that I do
Oseka mo gbasélé ié ié a
I am living my life with passion
Doudo lilé yè è
And I am grateful for every moment
Izakougnon oukouloulé è è
I am protected and blessed
Doudolilé iè è è
And I have faith in the future
Oseka mo gbasélé ié ié a
I am living my life with passion
Doudo lilé yè è
And I am grateful for every moment
La la la la x3
Repetition of a joyful sound
Mon boudou
My source of pride and happiness
Okoulounan onan
I have the strength and power
Elètrikia dogbé
Like electricity surging through me
Okoulounan onan
I have the strength and power
Nopié gnoumé e
To overcome any obstacle
Okoulounan onan
I have the strength and power
Kiké i a Lago gnou an
To make a positive impact on the world
Gnou a sou
With the support of my community
O a guili ma mou nan
I can achieve anything I set my mind to
Writer(s): dobet gnahoré + colin laroche de féline
Contributed by Samuel P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
chris pefi
tu demeure la meilleur!! fierté de la Cote d'Ivoire, u fais de la vrai musik, love u dobet
Ernst Constant
Merci africeleb pour avour introduire cette artiste. Elle est une Goddess pour l'esprit. Je suis kreyol et et je veux visiter Cote d'Ivoire.
miss.endo225
On sera très heureux de te faire connaître notre beau pays la côte d'Ivoire.
Zorgoon
Medicine for the soul
Kaki Kouo
Je suis fière de toi
Angeline Mayou
🥰🥰🥰🥰
miss.endo225
Du velours à l'oreille malheureusement j'ai rien compris