The two members of Positive Black Soul were both born in the city of Dakar, Senegal. As teenagers, Awadi and Barry were involved in the Dakar hip hop scene—Awadi leading his own group, Didier Awadi's Syndicate, a breakdancer[2] as well as a rapper; and Barry performing with the King MCs.[3] Originally Awadi and Barry were rivals, competing with each other in performances and coming from separate neighborhoods of Dakar. During a birthday party held by Awadi to which Barry was invited, however, the two performed together and realized their similarities, founding Positive Black Soul very soon after.[3] Activism and politics are central parts of the group's philosophy—its shortened name (PBS) was a play on the Parti Démocratique Sénégalais initialism "PDS".[2]
In 1992, the group performed at a music festival held by the Dakar French Cultural Center, where the French rapper MC Solaar heard their performance and invited the group to open for him when he debuted in Dakar in October of that year.[1][3] The rapper was impressed with Positive Black Soul, inviting them to continue performing with him in France.[1] Two years later the group put out its first release, a cassette entitled Boul Falé. The album was followed by more touring in France, as well as in England and Switzerland.[1] In the same year, the Senegalese musician Baaba Maal offered PBS the opportunity to be on his album Firin' in Fouta. Maal was signed to Mango Records and because of this recording with him, Positive Black Soul were signed as well. They released their album debut Salaam on Mango Records.[3] After achieving success in Senegal and some abroad, the group continued touring, including 130 performances in 1997.[1] They also began organizing concerts in Dakar and promoting new groups including Daara J and Pee Froiss.[4]
Positive Black Soul's first international release, New York Paris-Dakar, had been previously released as a cassette in Senegal. However it was only in 1997, six years after its initial appearance, that it was sold outside of the country.[5] The American rapper KRS-One, one of the group's collaborators on the album, shared a similar philosophy and interest in Pan-Africanism with Awadi and Barry.[5]
Boul Fale
Positive Black Soul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dama diggi di takhawone tchi sama diggi di boppu (kogn)
Wakhtane ak sama (gayi)
Wakhtane ak sama (way)
Beneu khalè difa diar dima fa diéma kagn
Mou sol lou (gatt)
Sama xeel nar si (gaat)
Ma miggi ni woko
Mou bougou ma atté gnakal
Bouggou mafa torokhal
Manè ko hé (kholal)
Mane xalé douma (foural)
Ma nar ko door nar ko gagne nar ko def lou ñaw
Sama gayi diappa tchi néma fils (non boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (non boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (non Awadi boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (non non non)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (non non non)
Brrr fale
Nguey maak di xalé xalé
Yone ba ñgui nalé
Kone del balé
Aïe aïe aïe wouy sama ndeye dagn ma (gaañ)
Positive Black Soul nena na ñga (baañ)
Té nga djoko
Ndakh ndakh kou beugueu, beugueu na
Kou baañ, beugueu na
Kou naangou, nangou na
Pb, PBS
Mome dou P.D.S.
Mome dou P.P.S.
Mo... khar bou fess
Niow, andak jeunesse bou yess
Dey (xeess)
Dj Awadi
Pupa Duggy Tee
Deloussi
Wakh dji dafa beurri nga né fils (boul falé)
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (non duggy tee dama né boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (non non non)
Boul fale
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (duggy tee dama né boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale
Mane de meussone na fi ame
Beneu geel bigidi (bakh)
Nena dafma digidi (noop)
Dina la wakh lou (takh)
Bouma digidi done job
Xalé bi daf ma nobone
Daf ma digidi done thiop
Di wakh ni daf ma beugone
Ma bigidi beugueu seuy
Lekka xaliss bign ma dinkone
Ñou digidi dakha ma
Xalé bi naar ma sonal
Mou digidi diekki diekki guéné fa djiko you boon
(Eh meyma sama baat damey dem sama yoon)
Ma naar ko door
Naar ko gagn
Naar ko def lou ñaaw
Sama gayi diappa si nema fils (boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (boul boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (non non non)
Boul fale
Boul fale Awadi boul fale (yow boul fale)
Ma insister deloussi deloussi
Kone mbok defko sissa boop
Te nga topeu lima sampa man
Aussi fils neel (fess)
Bala maley khass (kess)
Kess gaanar gek mouss bi
Bouffi tiow (djiip)
Dama dem babylone
Yeungueul sama yoon
Kone book
Boulma togne
Boul done sama (noon) mouk
Dama né dama né
Dugg duggu Duggy Tee
Te mangui deloussi
Neetali fateli
Djotel lou...
Weddi guiss bokkou tchi
Deug deugu oppu tchi
Diggi di Duggy Tee mome dou tiakhana (non boul fale)
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (non boul fale)
Boul fale
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (non boul fale fale fale non)
Boul fale
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (non non non)
Boul fale
Boul fale Duggy Tee boul fale (non boul fale)
Boul fale non boul fale
Fale fale fale
Non boul fale
Dama nela yow ak demba
Non boul fale
Non non non non
Non non non boul fale
The song "Boul Fale" by Positive Black Soul is a hip-hop song that expresses empowerment and pride in one's own work and identity. The lyrics, performed in the Wolof language, reflect the struggles and triumphs of the artists against various challenges facing the African youth, such as the marginalization, inequality and poverty. The song opens with the lines "Mangui dik ni gnow tchi microphone bi ndakhté dagn ma / Dama diggi di takhawone tchi sama diggi di boppu," which means "I hold this microphone because I'm skilled at it / My skill makes my name famous." This opening phrase is setting the tone for the rest of the song, which is about being proud of oneself and one's heritage.
The main refrain of the song is "Boul Fale," which according to the artists means "the truth about oneself." The artists repeat this phrase several times throughout the song as a reminder to always stay true to oneself and one's values. The song gives a voice to the people of Africa who have been historically and currently been marginalized and oppressed. Positive Black Soul turns to music in order to give the people a voice to express their frustrations and desires for a better future.
In conclusion, "Boul Fale" by Positive Black Soul is a powerful song that brings attention to the struggles and challenges facing African youth. The song celebrates the power of self-awareness and highlights the importance of being true to oneself in a world that is often hostile to the African people. The lyrics express the artists' desire to empower the youth by giving them a platform to express their thoughts and ideas.
Line by Line Meaning
Mangui dik ni gnow tchi microphone bi ndakhté dagn ma (togn)
My voice is like lightning when it hits the microphone, making a strong impact.
Dama diggi di takhawone tchi sama diggi di boppu (kogn)
I speak truthfully and loudly, spreading positive messages and awakening minds.
Wakhtane ak sama (gayi)
I share my experiences and life lessons with others.
Wakhtane ak sama (way)
I connect with people through my unique way of expression.
Beneu khalè difa diar dima fa diéma kagn
With determination and perseverance, I will always rise and overcome challenges.
Mou sol lou (gatt)
I am the flame that burns brightly and attracts attention.
Sama xeel nar si (gaat)
My wisdom shines like a guiding star.
Ma miggi ni woko
I will not be swayed or influenced by negative forces.
Wakh ko sama sokhlo
I stay true to myself and my beliefs.
Mou bougou ma atté gnakal
I spread love and positive energy in every direction.
Bouggou mafa torokhal
I refuse to be imprisoned or held back by anyone or anything.
Manè ko hé (kholal)
I am the rising sun, illuminating the path for others.
Mane xalé douma (foural)
I am the voice of the voiceless, speaking up for those who cannot.
Ma nar ko door nar ko gagne nar ko def lou ñaw
I am not defined by my past, my victories, or my losses, but by the impact I make in the present.
Sama gayi diappa tchi néma fils (non boul fale)
My message is clear and powerful, bringing enlightenment and positivity to all.
Boul fale
To stand tall and proud.
Brrr fale
To make a strong and resonating impact.
Nguey maak di xalé xalé
Come with me, my brother and sister.
Yone ba ñgui nalé
Let's go together.
Kone del balé
Never give up.
Aïe aïe aïe wouy sama ndeye dagn ma (gaañ)
Wow, my words have the power to ignite a fire within.
Positive Black Soul nena na ñga (baañ)
Positive Black Soul is here, making a positive impact.
Té nga djoko
Listen to what I have to say.
Ndakh ndakh kou beugueu, beugueu na
I speak truthfully, without holding back.
Kou baañ, beugueu na
I am fearless, speaking my mind.
Kou naangou, nangou na
I am unstoppable, with my words conquering all obstacles.
Pb, PBS
Positive Black Soul, spreading positivity.
Mome dou P.D.S.
I am a soldier on a mission.
Mome dou P.P.S.
I am a positive force for change.
Mo... khar bou fess
And... I will make a lasting impact.
Niow, andak jeunesse bou yess
Now, the youth are awakened and empowered.
Dey (xeess)
In this moment of truth.
Dj Awadi
The artist known as Awadi.
Pupa Duggy Tee
Powerful and energetic, like a fireball.
Deloussi
The true essence of who we are.
Wakh dji dafa beurri nga né fils (boul falé)
I will not be silenced, my words will be heard (boul falé).
Mane de meussone na fi ame
I am the one who stands out in the crowd.
Beneu geel bigidi (bakh)
With a strong and piercing voice (bakh).
Nena dafma digidi (noop)
I speak the truth without any hesitation (noop).
Dina la wakh lou (takh)
My words have the power to move the masses (takh).
Bouma digidi done job
I bring change through my words.
Xalé bi daf ma nobone
I am the voice that cannot be silenced.
Daf ma digidi done thiop
My voice breaks barriers and opens new paths.
Di wakh ni daf ma beugone
My words have the power to inspire and motivate.
Ma bigidi beugueu seuy
I speak truthfully without fear.
Lekka xaliss bign ma dinkone
I bring truth and justice to the forefront.
Ñou digidi dakha ma
We speak the truth together.
Xalé bi naar ma sonal
I am the voice of the youth, expressing their struggles.
Mou digidi diekki diekki guéné fa djiko you boon
Through my words, I shed light on societal issues and inequalities.
(Eh meyma sama baat damey dem sama yoon)
(Hey, listen to my words and understand my message)
Ma naar ko door
I will not be silenced.
Naar ko gagn
I will not be defeated.
Naar ko def lou ñaaw
I will always rise and overcome challenges.
Sama gayi diappa si nema fils (boul fale)
My words are like a shield, protecting against negativity and spreading positivity (boul fale).
Boul fale non boul fale
Stand tall, don't be afraid.
Fale fale fale
Be brave, be courageous.
Non boul fale
Don't let anything bring you down.
Dama nela yow ak demba
I am here to empower you and uplift your spirits.
Non non non non
No, no, no, no.
Non non non boul fale
No, no, no, don't be afraid.
Writer(s): Amadou Barry, Didier Sourou Awadi
Contributed by Elizabeth L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rogertamsirbassene2276
Le temps où écouter 👂 le rap était un plaisir. Respect à vous
@ibrahimadiop9575
Ndeyssane souvenirs d'adolescents. Les précurseurs du rap galsen grâce à eux, bcp de groupes de rap se formaient dans tous les quartiers. Je me rappelle de notre fameux groupe Nay Joly qui n'a jamais pu produire alors qu'on chantonnait et perturbait Sunu wa cogne lol.
@soleil3gs
Man I swear PBS is a legendary hip-hop group up there with the best of them
@meguetaninfos5305
Nous étions là en ce moment de l'apogée du RAP africain. Peace au Groupe PBS
@Cocoabrother
Ce beat !! PBS rules ✊🏾
@GHPENTERTAINMENT
Back in the days...You inspired a whole Generation (me included...)
NUFF RESPECT!!!
@yamadoutraore1973
oh mais j'adore vos sons depuis Sénégal. content de vous
@rogertamsirbassene2276
Le temps oû écouter le rap était un plaisir. Merci Dugge tee
@yamadoutraore1143
Mais j'adore ce son ❤️
@papegning1903
J'ai 34 ans je suis toujours jeune. Mais la vie n'est rien ndeysan.capsy représente 2021🤜🏿