Shaped in the Gypsy ghettos (Mahala) around Bucharest, Mahala Rai Banda (literally Noble Band from the Ghetto), combines a surprising array of trends and styles. Combining Romanian violins & accordions with a brass section consisting of army brass band veterans and a rocking rhythm section, they're the rising band from the Balkans. They effortlessly combine a knack for inventive arrangements with an indeniable ability to turn every single concert into a wild party. Tracks by Mahala Rai Banda (alongside pieces by label mates Taraf de Haidouks and Kocani Orkestar) were reworked/recreated by Nouvelle Vague, Balkan Beat Box, Dj ClicK, Forty Thieves Orkestar and Russ Jones for the Electric Gypsyland 2 project, and their "Mahalageasca" appears in the Borat (aka Ali G) film and also on the Buddha Bar Ten Years CD's compilation.
Kibori
Mahala Raï Banda Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kibori dal kibori
Taveleske bakhtali
Devla Bakhtali
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Palavla te me merav, devla me merav
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Dema, Mamo, but love
But love dal but love
Kenaj chavo lakeren,
Devla lakeren
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Palavla te me merav, devla me merav
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Palavla te me merav, devla me merav
Siman romni prashukar
Prashukar dal prashukar
Sarij lulu gadajbar
Lulu gadajbar
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Palavla te me merav, devla me merav
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Palavla te me merav, devla me merav
The lyrics of Kibori by Mahala Raï Banda are in Romani language, spoken by the Romani people or Roma, and are difficult to translate in English. The words of the song are about the daily struggles and joys of the Romani community as they go about their lives. The chorus repeats the same verse in which the singer seems to be saying that whatever he does or wherever he goes, his fate is in the hands of God. The verses seem to be describing different things, but the overarching theme is that of love and the difficulties and joys that come with it.
In the first verse, the singer is describing a kibori, which in Romani language is a type of bag that is used by the Roma people to carry their belongings. The singer seems to be saying that the bag is part of him, and he is part of it. He is also saying that he belongs to the Bakhtali, who are another Romani tribe. In the second verse, the singer is expressing his love for someone and saying that he will do anything for that person, even die for them. He is also saying that he belongs to God, who is watching over his every move.
In the third verse, the singer is describing a beautiful Romani woman, who is wearing many colorful clothes and jewelry. He is saying that she is a prashukar, which is a word used to describe a beautiful woman in Romani language. He is also saying that she is his fate or destiny, and he is hers. The song overall seems to express the idea that love, community, and faith in God are all intertwined and essential to the Roma people.
Line by Line Meaning
Dikta mamo kibori
Listen mother, the rabbit
Kibori dal kibori
The rabbit is running, is running
Taveleske bakhtali
Happy little brother
Devla Bakhtali
God, little brother
Joj, dade, so kerav, dade, so kerav
Oh father, what can I do, father, what can I do
Palavla te me merav, devla me merav
I dance and I die, God I die
Dema, Mamo, but love
Hear me, mother, with love
But love dal but love
With love, is walking, with love
Kenaj chavo lakeren, Devla lakeren
Where are you boy, I'm looking for you God
Siman romni prashukar
Beautiful gypsy girl
Prashukar dal prashukar
Is walking, is walking
Sarij lulu gadajbar
With a colorful skirt and a scarf
Lulu gadajbar
The scarf is flying
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.