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.
Samahani
Dobet Gnahoré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nisamehe, kwa kuwa mbali ee
Hata hivyo nakupenda,
Na sina samaha ya kupenda
Yelele aa nifanye yelele
Yelele aaa nifanye yelele
Samahani kwa wakati ulipotea
Ulisubiri na ulitegemea
Nisamehe kutokua wako kimwili mbele yako
Nife nife yeiye oo
Nife nife aa oo aa oo
Nife nife leleleleo
Nife nife nife
Mbele ya hawa uwapendao
Samehe hasira zangu oo
Unaweza kunisahau
Lakini, lakini nisamehe
Nife nife...
Yelele yelele aa haa
(Chants)
Je veux dire samahani, pardon.
In Dobet Gnahoré's song "Samahani", the singer is asking for forgiveness from someone she loves deeply. She starts by saying "Nisamehehe, kwa imani yangu mbaya" meaning "Forgive me, for my bad faith." Here she is admitting that her faith in their relationship may have been lacking, and she may have acted poorly because of it. She goes on to say "Nisamehe kwa kuwa mbali" meaning "Forgive me for being far away." This line suggests that they may have been physically distant from each other, and she wants forgiveness for any hurt that may have caused.
The singer acknowledges that she loves this person, but admits that she doesn't have forgiveness for her own loving feelings. She says "Hata hivyo nakupenda, na sina samaha ya kupenda" meaning "Nonetheless, I love you, and I can't help it." This line suggests that she may feel guilty for loving someone she feels she doesn't deserve. The chorus follows, where she pleads for forgiveness and says she's willing to do anything to make amends. She then ends the song with "Je veux dire samahani, pardon" meaning "I want to say sorry, pardon." This final line shows the singer's desire to make things right with the person she loves and to seek their forgiveness.
Overall, the lyrics of "Samahani" show a deep sense of remorse and longing for forgiveness. The singer admits her faults and acknowledges the pain she may have caused the person she loves. The chorus shows her willingness to do whatever it takes to make amends, and the final line shows a desire for reconciliation.
Line by Line Meaning
Nisamehehe, kwa imani yangu mbaya
I ask for forgiveness for my unfaithful intentions
Nisamehe, kwa kuwa mbali ee
Forgive me for being distant
Hata hivyo nakupenda, Na sina samaha ya kupenda
Even so, I love you and cannot help it
Yelele aa nifanye yelele, Yelele aaa nifanye yelele
I sing in grief and sorrow
Samahani kwa wakati ulipotea, Ulisubiri na ulitegemea
I apologize for making you wait for too long
Nisamehe ujinga wangu, Nisamehe kutokua wako kimwili mbele yako
Forgive my foolishness and for not being physically present
Nife nife yeiye oo, Nife nife aa oo aa oo, Nife nife leleleleo, Nife nife nife
I mourn and plead for forgiveness incessantly
Mbele ya hawa uwapendao, Samehe hasira zangu oo
Forgive my anger in the presence of those you love
Unaweza kunisahau, Lakini, lakini nisamehe
You may forget me, but please forgive me
Je veux dire samahani, pardon.
I want to say 'I'm sorry, pardon me.'
Writer(s): Dobet Gnahoré + Colin Laroche De Féline
Contributed by Hannah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gnakopascalgbede3502
Je t'adore Tania Dobet Gnahoré,il suffit que j'écoute une samahani et palea et ma journée est gagné sans meme que je sois sortir de la maison!.
@francoismenegnegohoua5083
Grande soeur c'est tout simplement magnifique, tu fais la fierté de la Côte d'Ivoire et particulièrement du peuple DIDA. j'adore ta music surtout lorsque pour la première fois je t'ai vu au concert du décès de Wompi!!! Braaaaaaaavo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@jean-francoisloubao8359
Elle est vraiment majestueuse sa voix...
J'adore sa musique puisse qu'elle me parle et me fait ressentir des émotions très positives. Merci maman Dobet pour ces belles notes...
@herveforever4022
she's from ivory coast, sings in swahili and but the melody reminds me makossa from cameroon...perfect mix!
@kemcheclaudiane8380
I thought as much.. the mix is just awersome...Goddd
@cissecisse9025
dobet t'es vraiment une fierté pour l'Afrique je suis c
hanteuse mais je ne cesse de voir tes vidéos que dieu te
garde t'a un talent incroyable kiss
@juanzapata6987
love that voice. African music!! greetings from Colombia
@jojoamoin827
merci dobet toute la cote d'ivoire taime et est très fier de toi
@tigereyes5
Thanks to all the people translating. Even though I don't understand I still enjoy the music; that's the beauty of music; it is a language in itself. But the lyrics sound beautiful.
@simonrizikimwamuye3201
I love her voice and the song. She sings in Swahili (East Africa Language), Samahani means "Forgiveness"".