He was outcast by his family & ostracized by the community, because he was an albino - a sign of bad luck in Mandinka culture. In 1967, he left Djoliba for Bamako, where he joined the government sponsored Super Rail Band de Bamako (aka Super Rail Band). In 1973, Keita joined the group Les Ambassadeurs. Keita and Les Ambassadeurs fled political unrest in Mali during the mid-1970s for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire & changed the group's name to Les Ambassadeurs Internationales. The reputation of Les Ambassadeurs Internationales rose to the international level in the 1970s and in 1977 Keita received a National Order award from the president of Guinea, Sékou Touré.
Keita moved to Paris in 1984 to reach a larger audience. His music combines traditional West African music styles with influences from both Europe and the Americas, while maintaining an overall Islamic style. Musical instruments that are commonly featured in Keita's work include balafon, djembe, guitar, kora, organ, saxophone, and synthesizer.
His latest album, M'Bemba, was released in October 2005.
This 'Bio' is copied from the Salif Keita page. Apparently there is question about the correct spelling of his name (with single or double dotted i).
Africa
Salif Keïta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and here I am far from home
I dwell within a land that is meant
for many men not my tone
The blood of god is my defense
let it drop down to my seed
showers to your innocence
to protect u for all eternity
and we wont see defeat
From kings to queens becomes a prince
knowledge wisdom is
understanding what we need
Ever since the day u came
my whole world began to change
I knew then to dedicate my life
4 your own
everyday I see u grow
and remember what u already know
I receive the love
that radiates from your glow
From which u came was love
and that's how it all should be
u and my soul are I
though all the time and history
The opening line of Salif Keita's song "Africa" sets the tone for the rest of the track: "Africa is my descent." The lyrics speak to Keita's deep connection to and pride in his African heritage, even as he resides far from home. He acknowledges that the land he lives on isn't necessarily meant for him, as it was historically colonized by outsiders who forced their own ways of life onto the indigenous population.
The second stanza of the song is particularly poignant, as Keita references the idea of blood as a defense. He wants his own blood to protect future generations, to keep them safe from harm and help them find their way in the world. By beating a drum, Keita and those around him won't be defeated; he sees his role as both a leader and a protector of his people, regardless of where they may come from.
The final two stanzas of the song speak to the idea of love and the interconnectedness of all people. Keita sees himself and his soul as one with those around him, regardless of their backgrounds - an idea that's especially powerful in today's increasingly divided world. By dedicating his life to the wellbeing of future generations, Keita is speaking to a universal desire for love, understanding, and unity.
Line by Line Meaning
Africa is my descent
I am of African ancestry and identify with the continent's culture and people.
and here I am far from home
I am currently residing in a place that is geographically distant from my ancestral home in Africa.
I dwell within a land that is meant
I live in a place that was originally designed for a different group of people or culture.
for many men not my tone
The majority of the population here is not of my race or ethnicity.
The blood of god is my defense
My faith in a higher power protects me from harm and injustice.
let it drop down to my seed
May this protection be passed down to my children and future generations.
showers to your innocence
May this divine protection guard and preserve your innocence throughout your life.
to protect u for all eternity
May this divine protection shield you from harm and danger for as long as you live.
and with this wood I beat this drum
I use this traditional instrument to make music and express my cultural identity.
and we wont see defeat
We will not succumb to failure or surrender, but rather persevere with unity and strength.
From kings to queens becomes a prince
Leadership can be passed down through generations, regardless of gender, resulting in a prince or leader.
knowledge wisdom is
True understanding and discernment involves both acquiring knowledge and applying it in a wise manner.
understanding what we need
Being aware of our true needs as individuals and as a society allows us to make better choices and achieve greater harmony.
Ever since the day u came
My life has been transformed since the day you arrived into this world.
my whole world began to change
Your presence has had a profound impact on my life and perspective.
I knew then to dedicate my life
I realized that my purpose in life was to be dedicated to protecting and nurturing you.
4 your own
For your benefit and well-being.
everyday I see u grow
As I witness your growth and development, I am inspired to continue supporting and guiding you.
and remember what u already know
I am reminded to respect and honor the knowledge and wisdom you already possess.
I receive the love
I am grateful for the love and affection you offer me.
that radiates from your glow
I am touched by the positive energy and spirit that emanates from you.
From which u came was love
Your origin was rooted in love and affection, which continues to inspire and motivate me.
and that's how it all should be
This is how life should be, with love and caring at its core.
u and my soul are I
Our bond is so strong that it feels like we are one and the same.
though all the time and history
Through all the ups and downs of life and throughout history, this bond remains unbreakable.
Writer(s): Salif Keita
Contributed by Micah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shirlinemolani8242
It’s 2024 and I’m listening to this master piece 😍 proud African Woman here from Kenya 🇰🇪 🇰🇪
@alhassanahmedrufai8937
Hello beautiful
@glendaadoons6159
Listening from South Africa, I've always loved this song even though I don't understand the language
@tebellomokupo7370
Joining in the party from Lesotho
@lebothengelane7244
It makes me move my curves as an African woman.... I feel it in my bones.... Im dignified by it... Chocolate skin, full figured, independent and know my worth... Let's dance... 😂😂
@fiveskipasphumzile2668
This never gets old...The whole Afrika approves...SA here, still dancing to tune in 2021 💃💃💃💃💃😍🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
@stivivangadio7712
I couldn't agreed more. U.S.A Citizen from DRC CONGO WEST Kinshasa.
@josephvincentsalanji3475
Yazin pumzile I don't know word of this song but I appreciate the artistry
@zoemoela
Indeed timeless number💕South Africa 🇿🇦
@kingfluenx
Someone explain why this song is not the most viewed video in africa?… you can’t compare africa song with Jerusalem song.. mr salif keita is a true son of the soil , not this zionists dubbed as Africans , Jerusalem? M not from Jerusalem I’m an African