Etoile De Dakar was a pop/rock/dance band active in Senegal from the late-1… Read Full Bio ↴Etoile De Dakar was a pop/rock/dance band active in Senegal from the late-1970s to the mid-1980s, led by vocalists Youssou N'Dour and El Hadji Faye. The group's sound was heavily influenced by Afro-Cuban rumba and combined traditional Senegalese Wolof music with western sounds in a vibrant form of African pop that became known as mbalax.

Alboury
Etoile de Dakar Lyrics

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4-NICOLE'S DAY AT SCHOOL
Nicole tells her mother Susan about her successful presentation at school. Her brother Ted overhears and interrupts the conversation.
Susan: How was your day at school today, Nicole?
Nicole: It was great, Mom. I gave a presentation on Hillary Clinton in government class. Afterwards, my teacher paid me a compliment.
Susan: What did she say?
Nicole: She said my presentation was head and shoulders above the others.
Susan: Way to go!
Nicole: She also said I should go into politics, just like Hillary.

Ted: You're so gung ho about school. It drives me crazy.
Nicole: Ted, don't butt in! You're just jealous.
Ted: Right. You hit the nail on the head. I'm green with envy.

Nicole: Would you just shut up? You're on thin ice with me right now.
Ted: Oh no! Look at me. I'm shaking in my shoes!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in this passage depict a conversation between Nicole and her mother Susan about how her day at school was. Nicole excitedly tells her mother about the presentation she gave in government class about Hillary Clinton, which her teacher praised as being "head and shoulders above the others." Nicole reveals that her teacher even suggested that she pursue politics like Hillary. However, Nicole's happiness is soon interrupted by her brother Ted who refers to her as being too enthusiastic about school, which annoys him.

Ted's interruption in the conversation causes conflict between him and Nicole, with Nicole condemning Ted's attitude towards her accomplishments. She accuses him of being jealous and urges him to stop talking. Ted retorts, using sarcasm to appear unaffected by her criticisms. The lyrics come to an end with Ted mocking her, pretending to be scared, and further provoking her.

This passage highlights competition and sibling rivalry, as well as the contrast between ambition and indifference. Nicole is portrayed as a driven individual who desires to excel and is passionate about her achievements. However, her ambition is not appreciated by her brother, who is indifferent to her accomplishments and sees them as an annoyance.

Line by Line Meaning

Alboury ma ke, ma diolé la
Alboury my friend, I greet you

Nantené ba wolof té bou kholé la
Nantené speaks Wolof but he doesn't understand

Nékou ba dieum, ba dieuf
We talk about God, about the divinity

Alboury ma ke, ma diolé la
Alboury my friend, I greet you

Abdoulaye Wade ya yaye na
Abdoulaye Wade, his father said

Mooy rék laa, mooy rék laa
I will be fine

Nantené ba wolof té bou kholé la
Nantené speaks Wolof but he doesn't understand

Ba dégg moo am, ba dégg moo am
He is there for me, he is there for me

Alboury ma ke, ma diolé la
Alboury my friend, I greet you

Writer(s): Youssou N'dour

Contributed by Dylan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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