Habib Koité was born in 1958 in Thiès, a Senegalese town situated on the railway line connecting Dakar to the river Niger, where his father worked on the construction of the tracks. Six months after his birth, the Koité family returned to the regional capital of west Mali, Kayes, and then to Bamako. Habib comes from a noble line of Khassonké griots, traditional troubadors who provide wit, wisdom and musical entertainment at social gatherings and special events. Habib grew up surrounded by seventeen brothers and sisters, and developed his unique guitar style accompanying his griot mother. He inherited his passion for music from his paternal grandfather who played the kamele n'goni, a traditional four-stringed instrument associated with hunters from the Wassolou region of Mali. "Nobody really taught me to sing or to play the guitar," explains Habib, "I watched my parents, and it washed off on me."
Habib was headed for a career as an engineer, but on the insistence of his uncle, who recognized Habib's musical talent, he enrolled at the National Institute of Arts (INA) in Bamako, Mali. In 1978, after only six months, he was made conductor of INA Star, the school's prestigious band. He studied music for four years, graduating at the top of his class in 1982. (In fact his talent was so impressive, that upon graduation, the INA hired him as a guitar teacher). During his studies, Habib had the opportunity to perform and play with a series of recognized Malian artists, including Kélétigui Diabaté and Toumani Diabaté. He sang and played on Toumani Diabaté's 1991 release Shake the World (Sony), and Kélétigui Diabaté is now a full-time member of Habib's band.
Habib takes some unique approaches to playing the guitar. He tunes his instrument to the pentatonic scale and plays on open strings as one would on a kamale n'goni. At other times Habib plays music that sounds closer to the blues or flamenco, two styles he studied under Khalilou Traoré a veteran of the legendary Afro-Cuban band Maravillas du Mali. Unlike the griots, his singing style is restrained and intimate with varying cadenced rhythms and melodies.
Mali has rich and diverse musical traditions, which have many regional variations and styles that are particular to the local cultures. Habib is unique because he brings together different styles, creating a new pan-Malian approach that reflects his open-minded interest in all types of music. The predominant style played by Habib is based on the danssa, a popular rhythm from his native city of Keyes. He calls his version danssa doso, a Bambara term he coined that combines the name of the popular rhythm with the word for hunter's music (doso), one of Mali's most powerful and ancient musical traditions. "I put these two words together to symbolize the music of all ethnic groups in Mali. I'm curious about all the music in the world, but I make music from Mali. In my country, we have so many beautiful rhythms and melodies. Many villages and communities have their own kind of music. Usually, Malian musicians play only their own ethnic music, but me, I go everywhere. My job is to take all these traditions and to make something with them, to use them in my music."
In 1988, Habib formed his own group, Bamada (a nickname for residents of Bamako that roughly translates "in the mouth of the crocodile"), with young Malian musicians who had been friends since childhood. In 1991, Habib won first prize at the Voxpole Festival in Perpignan, France, which earned him enough money to finance the production of two songs. One of those tracks, "Cigarette A Bana (The Cigarette is Finished)" was a hit throughout West Africa. After the release of another successful single entitled, "Nanalé (The Swallow)," Habib received the prestigious Radio France International (RFI) Discoveries prize. This award made it possible for the group to undertake their first tour outside of Africa during the summer of 1994.
In January 1995, Habib met his current manager, Belgian Michel De Bock, who, along with his partner Geneviève Bruyndonckx, are the directors of the management and production company Contre-Jour.
Working together, they recorded his first album Muso Ko. Upon its release the album quickly reached #2 in the European World Music Charts. From that point forward, Habib became a fixture on the European festival circuit and began to spread his infectious music and high energy shows around the world. Habib has played at most of Europe's major venues and festivals, including the Montreaux Jazz Festival, WOMAD, and the World Roots Festival. In the spring 2000, he even toured Europe and Turkey as an invited guest with the legendary avant-garde jazz group, the Art Ensemble of Chicago.
Habib's second album, Ma Ya, was released in Europe in 1998 to widespread acclaim. It spent an amazing three months at the top spot on the World Charts Europe. A subtle production which revealed a more acoustic, introspective side of Habib's music, Ma Ya was released in North America by Putumayo World Music in early 1999 and quickly helped establish Habib as one of world music's most exciting new figures.
Ma Ya spent 20 weeks in the top 20 of the College Music Journal New World music chart, and broke new ground at AAA rock radio, spending several months in regular rotation on commercial stations across the country. The album held the number one spot on the World Charts Europe for an amazing three months. Ma Ya has sold over 60,000 units in North America and over 100,000 worldwide, which is a tremendous success for a new world music artist.
The critical and commercial response to Ma Ya was tremendous. Habib was featured in hundreds of newspapers and magazines including People Magazine, Rolling Stone, Le Monde, Songlines, De Standaard, Le Soir and the cover of Global Rhythm magazine, to name a few. In the years since, he has also been featured in the US on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, WXPN's World Café, PRI's The World, the House of Blues Radio Hour "Mali to Memphis" special, prestigious international programs such as CNN WorldBeat, and in June 2007 was the subject of a two-page photo spread in Vanity Fair magazine. In 2001, Habib Koité and Bamada became one the few African artists to appear on Late Night with David Letterman one of America's most popular television variety shows.
Habib's artistry and powerful personality earned him the adoration of fans such as Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt, both of whom ended up visiting Habib in Mali. They have both done a great deal to support Habib's music, by promoting private events designed to attract new audiences and even performing live with Habib on stage. Habib and his band even made a guest appearance on Bonnie Raitt's 2002 album Silver Lining, in which Bonnie and Habib performed a duet on the co-written song "Back Around."
Habib Koite & Bamada released their third album, Baro, in 2001 on Putumayo. The recording was also a huge success, selling more than 100,000 copies worldwide and further expanding Habib's global audience.
One of the keys to Habib's success has been is dedication to touring. A true road warrior, Habib Koite & Bamada have performed nearly 1000 shows since 1994 and appeared on some of the world's most prestigious concert stages. Habib has also participated in a number of memorable theme tours alongside other artists. In February 1999, Habib and American bluesman Eric Bibb toured in support of the Putumayo compilation Mali to Memphis, which highlighted the connections between Malian and American blues music. In the fall of 2000, Habib participated in the "Voices of Mali" tour with Oumou Sangare, one of West Africa's most renowned artists. Habib has also taken part in the Desert Blues project with fellow Malians Tartit and Afel Boucoum and the Putumayo Presents Acoustic Africa tour with South African troubadour Vusi Mahlasela and the rising young star Dobet Gnahoré from the Ivory Coast.
Habib Koite & Bamada's transfixing performances have endeared them to an ever-growing audience, and in 2003 they released Fôly! , a double CD of live material.
Devoted fans have waited a long time for Habib to return to the recording studio. As with many craftsmen, Habib is a perfectionist, and spends a great deal of time composing and arranging his material. Recorded in Mali, Belgium and Vermont, Afriki finds Habib exploring new musical directions. The overarching theme of Afriki, which means "Africa" in the Malian Bambara language, is about the strengths and challenges of the African continent. "People here in Africa are willing to risk death trying to leave for Europe or the USA, but they are not willing to take that risk staying to develop something here in Africa," says Habib. "Life can be really good or really bad wherever you live. People need to understand that. Even though Mali is poor, we still have good quality of life: You can walk outside and smile and someone will smile back. I have thought about it a lot, and I am not sure if poor countries have a worse quality of life."
Sirata
Habib Koité Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sira diangna a na ban dondola
Koulou min filo ye ne ma sama ne na sama londo
Beka yiri ni turubi lon do yi ri suma ba
Kolon ni sen bi tchie don dian minogo gne
Kone tara logo fero n gne finini miye ne yo san
Kone tara daman dala gne sanou woulenigne ne yo san
Ne tara fandala n gne warigeni ye ne yo san
Oye Syra niyoroye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Woyi Syra kumko yi bolo woyi yayi kumbo yi bolo
Maya dalilu ala yodi Syra ma
Duba mi tchito Syra le yola diola
Djoly fanga ala yo di Syra ma
Yi ri ba tu bin to kono lu yilan yilan ta
Syra kanto kono lu ma'n bolo felai i sigui
Baba ni dialo diegue lu yilan yilan ta
Syra kan to ba faro ma n'bi delila (djeguelou la kanta)
Syra kanto mogo lou ma n'balu tra la alou (woula lou la kanta)
Symboma (so go lou la kanta)
Oye sira niyoro ye (oye ne ka syra ta ye)
Syra folo ni yoro filai (oye ne ka Syra ta ye)
The song Sirata by Habib Koité is a beautiful celebration of the power of love and the importance of relationships in life. The lyrics are in Bambara, a language spoken in Mali, and they talk about the love between two people and the challenges that come with it. The singer talks about the different ways that love can manifest itself, from the gentle caresses to the passionate arguments. He talks about the importance of compromise and communication in any relationship, and how these two things can help a couple overcome any obstacle.
The chorus of the song repeats the name Syra, which could be a reference to a specific person or just a generic name that represents the concept of love. The repetition of the name helps to reinforce the message of the song, that love is a powerful force that can bring people together and help them overcome any difficulty. The overall tone of the song is one of joy and optimism, and it communicates a deep sense of gratitude for the love that the singer has experienced in his life.
Line by Line Meaning
Don kadian a sebalite
Let us embark on a journey
Sira diangna a na ban dondola
The path we choose is our own
Koulou min filo ye ne ma sama ne na sama londo
We find meaning in shared experiences
Beka yiri ni turubi lon do yi ri suma ba
May our actions be righteous and honorable
Kolon ni sen bi tchie don dian minogo gne
We must remember those who have gone before us
Kone tara logo fero n gne finini miye ne yo san
We strive for excellence in all that we do
Kone tara daman dala gne sanou woulenigne ne yo san
We come together to support one another
Ne tara fandala n gne warigeni ye ne yo san
We must face our challenges with courage and determination
Oye Syra taye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Oh, Syra, hear our call
Oye Syra niyoroye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Oh, Syra, take us under your protection
Woyi Syra kumko yi bolo woyi yayi kumbo yi bolo
Syra, guide us through the ups and downs of life
Maya dalilu ala yodi Syra ma
We seek your wisdom, oh Syra
Duba mi tchito Syra le yola diola
Show us the way, oh Syra
Djoly fanga ala yo di Syra ma
We place our trust in you, oh Syra
Yi ri ba tu bin to kono lu yilan yilan ta
We will follow you to the ends of the earth
Syra kanto kono lu ma'n bolo felai i sigui
You are the light that guides us on our journey
Baba ni dialo diegue lu yilan yilan ta
We will sing your praises forever
Syra kan to ba faro ma n'bi delila (djeguelou la kanta)
Syra, you are the source of our strength
Syra kanto mogo lou ma n'balu tra la alou (woula lou la kanta)
You give us the courage to face any challenge
Symboma (so go lou la kanta)
May we find peace and harmony in our journey
Oye sira niyoro ye (oye ne ka syra ta ye)
Oh, Syra, bless us with your wisdom
Syra folo ni yoro filai (oye ne ka Syra ta ye)
May your light shine brightly upon us, oh Syra
Contributed by Kaylee G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@arsamkhalilian3706
Don kadian a sebalite
Sira diangna a na ban dondola
Koulou min filo ye ne ma sama ne na sama londo
Beka yiri ni turubi lon do yi ri suma ba
Kolon ni sen bi tchie don dian minogo gne
Kone tara logo fero n gne finini miye ne yo san
Kone tara daman dala gne sanou woulenigne ne yo san
Ne tara fandala n gne warigeni ye ne yo san
Oye Syra taye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Oye Syra niyoroye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Woyi Syra kumko yi bolo woyi yayi kumbo yi bolo
Maya dalilu ala yodi Syra ma
Duba mi tchito Syra le yola diola
Djoly fanga ala yo di Syra ma
Yi ri ba tu bin to kono lu yilan yilan ta
Syra kanto kono lu ma'n bolo felai i sigui
Baba ni dialo diegue lu yilan yilan ta
Syra kan to ba faro ma n'bi delila (djeguelou la kanta)
Syra kanto mogo lou ma n'balu tra la alou (woula lou la kanta)
Symboma (so go lou la kanta)
Oye sira niyoro ye (oye ne ka syra ta ye)
Syra folo ni yoro filai (oye ne ka Syra ta ye)
@LesScarlettes
Sirata HABIB KOITE
Don kadian a sebalite
Sira diangna a na ban dondola
Koulou min filo ye ne ma sama ne na sama londo
Beka yiri ni turubi lon do yi ri suma ba
Kolon ni sen bi tchie don dian minogo gne
Kone tara logo fero n gne finini miye ne yo san
Kone tara daman dala gne sanou woulenigne ne yo san
Ne tara fandala n gne warigeni ye ne yo san
Oye Syra taye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Oye Syra niyoroye (oye ne ka Syra taye)
Woyi Syra kumko yi bolo woyi yayi kumbo yi bolo
Maya dalilu ala yodi Syra ma
Duba mi tchito Syra le yola diola
Djoly fanga ala yo di Syra ma
Yi ri ba tu bin to kono lu yilan yilan ta
Syra kanto kono lu ma'n bolo felai i sigui
Baba ni dialo diegue lu yilan yilan ta
Syra kan to ba faro ma n'bi delila (djeguelou la kanta)
Syra kanto mogo lou ma n'balu tra la alou (woula lou la kanta)
Symboma (so go lou la kanta)
Oye sira niyoro ye (oye ne ka syra ta ye)
Syra folo ni yoro filai (oye ne ka Syra ta ye)
Paroliers : HABIB KOITE
Paroles de Sirata © Sabam, COPYRIGHT CONTROL (NON-HFA)
@WiredWordNews
you are blessed if you are African, you are blessed if you are human. music is for the soul, the soul has no color nor shape. the soul is beyond human judgments. feed your soul with good music. without music, life will be a mistake. Peace and love from the CONGO.
@siiiiu
أنا إفريقي
@joewhite792
My soul is happier after hearing this :)
@THAT.RANDOM.GUY_
You are blessed to be alive. Being African has nothing to do with it.
@zumasakumon507
christian hito true talk
@davidbrengartner6059
@@THAT.RANDOM.GUY_ says the asian guy
@dreamcraft8631
anyone who finds themselves listening to this type of music is blessed
@TheThoughtfulwolf
Dream Craft that's exactly how I feel at this moment!
@joienyiraneza7787
Dream Craft
@6arbah
Dream Craft try this طمبورة قطريه