Salif Keita (b. 25 August 1949), is an internationally recognized afro-pop … Read Full Bio ↴Salif Keita (b. 25 August 1949), is an internationally recognized afro-pop singer and songwriter from Djoliba, Mali. He has a reputation as the "Golden Voice of Africa", he is also a descendant of the Mali Empire's founder, Sundiata Keita.

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 album, M'Bemba, was released in October 2005.

Madan [days Of Holly Salif Mix
Salif Keita Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

O laka lamma le
O laka lamma le
O laka lamma le dja
O laka lamma le
Se jolaka lamma le
Se jolaka lamma le
Se jolaka lamma le dja
Se jolaka lamma le

O laka lamma le
O laka lamma le
O laka lamma le dja
O laka lamma le
Se jolaka lamma le
Se jolaka lamma le
Se jolaka lamma le dja
Se jolaka lamma le

Ay ihe geba geta singurna yeah
Ilina in a nara sa
Oh oh
Ili la serna najih neja
Ilina ina nara
Ilina ina nara sa
Ili la serna najih neja
Ilina ina nara

A sid la nemma ra do m?sebbe toggorro no yee
Tama yoo pabba yo
A sid la nemma ra do m?sebbe toggorro no yee m?o
Tama yoo o? pabba ho fago pib?ee

Ori tali ma je?ye
Ori tali ma je?ye
Ori tali ma je?ye

Ori tali ma je?ye
Ori tali ma !

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Salif Keita's song "Madan" are primarily in the Bambara language and difficult to translate directly. However, the repetition of "O laka lamma le" and "Se jolaka lamma le" seem to be calling for a response or a dance. The chorus builds in energy with each repetition and encourages listeners to join in ("Ori tali ma je?ye").

The verses seem to tell a story of a woman or a group of women who are being praised and celebrated for their beauty and grace ("Ay ihe geba geta singurna yeah"). There are also mentions of a place called "Ilina," perhaps referencing a specific location or representing a sense of home or community. The final lines of the song ("A sid la nemma ra do"...) are more difficult to interpret, but they seem to be urging listeners to come together and celebrate.

Line by Line Meaning

O laka lamma le
He is calling out to someone with the phrase 'O laka lamma le' repeatedly

O laka lamma le dja
He keeps calling out to the person and asking them to come closer with the addition of the word 'dja'

Se jolaka lamma le
He repeats the same phrase but this time in a different language, possibly representing a different culture or country

Se jolaka lamma le dja
He continues to call out the person, this time in the different language, with the same request of coming closer

Ay ihe geba geta singurna yeah
He expresses a feeling of joy and excitement through this phrase

Ilina in a nara sa
He mentions a person's name and notes a location or event they attended together

Ili la serna najih neja
He praises the person's character and unique qualities with this phrase

A sid la nemma ra do m?sebbe toggorro no yee
He talks about a situation of uncertainty or confusion, possibly relating to a relationship or decision he has to make

Tama yoo pabba yo
He seeks guidance or reassurance with these words

A sid la nemma ra do m?sebbe toggorro no yee m?o
He repeats the earlier phrase, adding a sense of urgency and desperation to his voice

Tama yoo o? pabba ho fago pib?ee
He asks for someone's help or guidance to overcome the uncertain situation he is currently facing

Ori tali ma je?ye
He ends the song with the repeated phrase 'Ori tali ma je?ye', possibly conveying a sense of peace or resolution after the earlier uncertainties and requests for help

Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, DELABEL EDITIONS
Written by: MANFILA KANTE, SALIF KEITA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS