Along with his band members, Bassirou Diagne- Bob Sene- Aziz Seck- Lapa Diagne- Adama Faye- Abdou Mbacke and, little after, Ismael Lo - already know as “l’homme orchestre” (one man band) due to his solo performances, they helped shape Senegalese contemporary music. During the eighties, in Dakar, there were two dominant types of melomanes, the ones bitten by the frenetic and highly syncopative Mbalax of the Super Etoile, who frequented Djender and later on Thiossane night club, and those who religiously consumed the progressive bluesy-funky- soulful brand of local fusion of Super Diamono- who filled the Balafon Club located in the other side of town, near the Port Autonome de Dakar. Although Omar Pene and Youssou Ndour, always maintained an healthy and lively artistic competition, their supporters pledged a loyalty only seen among opposing football fans (soccer). In many ways, both used the Mbalax, which is almost unavoidable, once the Sabar is involved, but they did it differently. Over the years many of the group’s original members went on to other things, Omar Pene stayed; and to this day- even as he is now enjoying his solo journey he uses the Super Diamono, and what ever that is left of it, as a backup band. Omar Pene established himself as a “conscious singer,” instead of indulging in praise songs- as many of his contemporaries did in honor of the riches and famous, he maintained a repertoire of socially engaged and sensitive songs. To this date, he has released dozens of hits in more than thirty albums and cassettes.
Woudjou yaye
Omar Pene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Souma démé diangui ba wacca midi
Magnew ci keurgui douma tibal bol
Bou domam gneuwé
Mou diokh ko mou lekka
Bou dessalé mou oubal ma kofa
Mba mou diokh ko khadj ba
Baye yama togn, Baye yama togn
Bilé Woudjou Yaye hahan
Aka bona bone
Bilé Woudjou Yaye hahan
Aka bona bone
Bilé Woudjou Yaye (Bis)
Souma démé diangui ba wacca midi
Magnew ci keurgui douma tibal bol
Bou domam gneuwé
Mou diokh ko mou lekka
Bou dessalé mou oubal ma kofa
Mba mou diokh ko khadj ba
Baye yama togn, Baye yama togn
Lou takh nga may bayi ak mom
The lyrics of Omar Pene's "Woudjou Yaye" depict a story of a daughter who has left her father's house to start her new life with her husband. The father, who watches his daughter leave, wishes her well and prays for her safety and happiness. He asks her to take care of herself and to not forget her family. The use of Wolof language in the song adds an emotional layer and authenticity to the lyrics, allowing the listener to feel the father's pain and love towards his daughter. The chorus "Bilé Woudjou Yaye" is repeated throughout the song, meaning "Goodbye, my daughter".
The first verse begins by acknowledging the daughter's departure, with the father telling her to be careful on her journey. He hopes that she will arrive safely at her destination and find happiness with her husband. The second verse has a more emotional tone, with the father telling his daughter to remember her family and to come visit them. He asks her to call or write to him to let him know how she is doing, and to not forget her culture and where she comes from. The chorus is repeated at the end to give a final farewell to the daughter.
Overall, "Woudjou Yaye" is a beautiful tribute to the love between a father and his daughter, and the pain of letting go. The song captures the emotions of separation, hope, and love, and is a testament to the enduring cultural values of the Wolof people.
Line by Line Meaning
Bilé Woudjou Yaye (Bis)
This is a repeated refrain throughout the song, paying homage to the subject of the song, probably a person named Woudjou Yaye.
Souma démé diangui ba wacca midi
Life is unpredictable, with unexpected events and challenges.
Magnew ci keurgui douma tibal bol
No matter how tough the going gets, you have to stand firm and persevere.
Bou domam gneuwé
Sometimes things may not go as planned, leading to confusion or disorientation.
Mou diokh ko mou lekka
In the midst of challenges, one has to remain focused and determined to overcome.
Bou dessalé mou oubal ma kofa
No matter how daunting the task, one should not give up trying.
Mba mou diokh ko khadj ba
Even when things seem impossible, one must keep pushing and striving to succeed.
Baye yama togn, Baye yama togn
This is another repeated refrain, possibly a call to a spiritual or religious leader, seeking guidance or protection.
Lou takh nga may bayi ak mom
This line seems to express a longing for the subject of the song (Woudjou Yaye) to be present and supportive.
Aka bona bone
This is another repeated refrain, possibly expressing a sense of joy or celebration.
Contributed by Skyler R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Deug Rek
Ça m'a touché cette chanson, parce que je ne connaissais ma mère jusqu'à mes 17ans. J'ai beaucoup souffert dans la vie, mon père est parti si tôt, mais maintenant DIEU merci, j'aide beaucoup de personnes par la grâce de DIEU. DIEU merci jusqu'à mon dernier souffle, jusqu'à dans ma tombe et même le jour du jugement dernier InchALLAH. Djeureudjeuf sounou BOROM
Cheikh Wade
Ani sama morom yiko deglou 2020 wayy bi daf ma yagua dioye lo 😭 dépit bima gnakké sama Yaye ballé gui😭
cheikh Diallo
Mangui diko deglou 2022 respect baye Pene
Gueye Ameth
Courage Frère
samba ndiaye
Une chanson qui décrit la vie de beaucoup de jeunes qui ont connu des années très dûres de leur enfance, c'est un drame social dont on a encore du mal à se départir en tant que peuple et pourtant tout le monde ou presque,sait que les enfants sont l'avenir et l'espoir de chaque peuple.Qu'il soit orphelin ou qu'il soit un mandiant, malheur à celui qui blaisse un enfant ou innocent.
Rogez Jeremy
samba ndiaye yew ya meuna dohane sa data ndeye bane bane histoire de beaucoup d'enfant yew qui di weyyy oudiou yaye aka bona bone yew ngay doul yew rek bayil mar tate
Gueladio Ndiaye
bien dit
Gorou Awa Ndiaye
samba ndiaye tua bien dit la vérité absolue
Mouhamed NDIAYE
un père qui fait partie des pilier des piliers de la musique sénégalaise quand t'a cette chanson, elle m'a profondément toucher et j'espères que ça à toucher beaucoups de persones .
Momar Mboup
This the best moment of my life. Just listening to Baay Pene takes me out of depression. Love it