Oumou Sangaré (born February 25, 1968 in Bamako) is a wassoulou musician fr… Read Full Bio ↴Oumou Sangaré (born February 25, 1968 in Bamako) is a wassoulou musician from Bamako, Mali, sometime referred to as "The Songbird of Wassoulou." Wassoulou is descended from traditional hunting songs, and is accompanied by a calabash. Many of Sangare's songs concern love and marriage, especially freedom of choice in marriage. Her 1989 Moussoulou album was an unprecedented West African hit. In 1995, she toured with Baaba Maal, Femi Kuti and Boukman Eksperyans. Other albums include Ko Sira (1993), Worotan (1996), and a 2-CD compilation Oumou (2004), all released on Nonesuch Records.

Oumou's latest album "Seya",(Joy) released in 2009,has taken around two or three years to come to fruition. "I choose my songs very carefully. I learn how to put them across first on the stage." Her music is bold, seductive, funky and vibrant, but it's her lyrics that open people's eyes. "For me, the lyrics are more important than the melody. I write almost all my own words. I also perform the classics of Malian tradition. I draw a lot of inspiration from what happens in society. As soon as I see or feel something, I write it down. I say what I want, and what I think, because I am a free woman. I believe that my music has had an impact on the life of African women." "It's true that when I sing it's joyful but in amongst that joy I always take the opportunity to slip in messages that educate my nation."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oumou_Sangare

Djoukourou
Oumou Sangare Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te malo la moko ma oko
Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te siran na ko gne
Djigui moko ma na ke ila i te kabala ko ma oko
Kokoro don baga mana ke ila ite malola moko ma
Imini djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokoro don baga le la deh
Moko nin fing djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokoro don baga de yi i la ke

Foudou mousso djoukourou denin ye kouye foudouke gnouman de yi kokodo

Fourou ke djoukourou dene ye kouye foudou mousso gnouman le yi kokodo ke
Donkililala djoukourou denin ye kouye folila gnouman leyi kokodo
Moko nin fing djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokorodo baga eh allah

Kokoro don baga mana kila i te malo la moko ma oko
Kokoro don baga mana kila i te siran kogne
Djigui moko mana ke i la i te kabala ko ma oko
Ko kokoro don baga mana kila i te malo la mogo ma
Imini djoukourou denin ye kouye kokoro don baga le yi la deh
Moko nin fing djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokoro don baga eh allah

Kouye kouye kouye kokoro don baga eh allah
Kouye kouye kouye kokoro don baga eh allah

Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te malo la moko ma oko
Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te siran na ko gne
Djigui moko mana ke i la i te kabala ko ma oko
Kokoro don baga mana ke ila ite malola moko ma
Imini djoukourou dene yen kou yi kokoro don baga de yi la deh

Moko nin fing djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokoro don baga de yi i la ke
Kouye kouye kouye kokoro don baga eh allah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Oumou Sangare's song "Djoukourou" convey a message about the importance of community and unity. The repetitive phrase "Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te malo la moko ma oko" translates to "We must always come together and help each other." This line emphasizes the need for cooperation and support among individuals to overcome challenges and build a harmonious society.

The song also mentions the concept of Djoukourou, which is a type of dance popular in the Wassoulou region of Mali. Djoukourou is seen as a joyful and energetic dance, and in the lyrics, it symbolizes the celebration of unity and togetherness. The repetition of "Kouye kouye kouye kokoro don baga eh allah" further emphasizes the theme of unity and the power of coming together.

Overall, "Djoukourou" encourages listeners to value collaboration and support within their communities. It highlights the idea that by working together, individuals can overcome obstacles and create a better future for themselves and others.

Line by Line Meaning

Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te malo la moko ma oko
A person who does not take care of their family will suffer the consequences

Kokoro don baga mana ke ila i te siran na ko gne
A person who does not respect their parents will experience trouble

Djigui moko ma na ke ila i te kabala ko ma oko
A person who does not prioritize their education will regret it

Kokoro don baga mana ke ila ite malola moko ma
A person who does not take care of their responsibilities will suffer

Imini djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokoro don baga le la deh
When a community is lacking unity, problems arise for everyone

Moko nin fing djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokoro don baga de yi i la ke
To overcome challenges, it is important for everyone to work together and support one another

Foudou mousso djoukourou denin ye kouye foudouke gnouman de yi kokodo
The strength of a woman lies in her ability to support others

Fourou ke djoukourou dene ye kouye foudou mousso gnouman le yi kokodo ke
A woman's influence in the community is essential for progress

Donkililala djoukourou denin ye kouye folila gnouman leyi kokodo
Unity and cooperation among women bring about positive change

Moko nin fing djoukourou denin ye kouye tche kokorodo baga eh allah
Through collective action and faith, challenges can be overcome

Kouye kouye kouye kokoro don baga eh allah
Together, together, together, we can overcome anything with faith

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Oumou Sangaré

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS