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.

Mandjou
Salif Keita Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

mandjou yo kana kassi
André Touré kai kana kassi
mandiou yo
baminata farka den kana kassi
ne balen djiguiya de ma kassi koumama sen mandiou
allah mandiou dio sanou dio

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Mandjou" by Salif Keita tell the story of a young man named Mandjou who is seeking spiritual enlightenment and connection with a higher power. Mandjou encounters various people along his journey, including André Touré and Baminata Farka, who all help him on his path. The repeated phrase "kana kassi" can mean "seeking truth" or "searching for wisdom."

One of the most powerful moments in the song comes when Mandjou asks for guidance from Allah, pleading for help and asking for clarity on his purpose. The final lines of the song, "mandiou yo, allah mandiou dio sanou dio" can be interpreted as a call for unity and understanding between all people, regardless of their beliefs.

Overall, "Mandjou" is a beautiful and inspiring song that encourages listeners to embrace their spiritual side and seek wisdom and enlightenment.

Line by Line Meaning

mandjou yo kana kassi
Let's dance together and forget our troubles

André Touré kai kana kassi
André Touré also wants to dance and forget his troubles

mandiou yo
Let's dance and have fun

baminata farka den kana kassi
Baminata Farka is also dancing and forgetting her troubles

ne balen djiguiya de ma kassi koumama sen mandiou
The rhythm of the music beats in our hearts and we are united in our dance

allah mandiou dio sanou dio
Let's dance and praise God for our blessings

Writer(s): salif keita

Contributed by Mackenzie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS