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.

Tomorrow
Salif Keita Lyrics

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Tomorrow, koni tomorrow
Sadio, ambè tomorrow
Tomorrow, koni tomorrow
Sadio, ambè tomorrow

Sadio, djon té éfé ?
Ousmane ko, k'abé éfè
K'abé éfè, ko né tè k'alé té sigui

Sadio, djon té éfé ?

Malienw ko, kow bifè
Kow bifè, ko né tè kolou té sigui

Mö ma taa fölö ka naa
Saya ma sön nênê ma
Ahhh
Saya kèra nênêbali di

Tomorrow, koni tomorrow
Sadio, ambè tomorrow
Tomorrow, koni tomorrow
Sadio, ambè tomorrow

Sadio, djon té éfé ?
Fatoumata ko k'abé éfè
K'abé éfè, ko né tè k'alé té sigui

Sadio, djon té éfé ?
Ba Oumou ko k'abé éfè
K'abé éfè, ko né tè k'alé té sigui

Mö ma taa fölö ka naa
Saya ma sön nênê ma
Ahhhhhh
Mö ma taa fölö ka naa

Saya ma sön nênê ma
Ahhh
Saya kèra nênêbali di

Tomorrow, see you tomorrow
Sadio, see you tomorrow
Tomorrow, koni tomorrow
Sadio, ambè tomorrow

Mö ma taa fölö ka naa
Saya ma sön nênê ma
Ahhhhhh

Mö ma taa fölö ka naa
Saya ma sön nênê ma
Ahhh
Saya kèra nênêbali di

Sadio, see you tomorrow
Sadio, see you tomorrow

Overall Meaning

The song "Tomorrow" by Salif Keita is a beautiful and powerful ballad about hope, love, and perseverance. The song is mostly in Bambara, a language spoken in Mali, and it tells the story of Sadio, who is waiting for tomorrow. The song is about how we all live in the present, but we are always looking forward to tomorrow, hoping that things will be better.

The chorus "Tomorrow, koni tomorrow, Sadio, ambè tomorrow" means "tomorrow, come tomorrow, Sadio, I'll see you tomorrow." The repetition emphasizes the importance of tomorrow and how it is a promise of a better day. The verse "Mö ma taa fölö ka naa, Saya ma sön nênê ma" translates to "I want to be free, I want to have joy." This verse emphasizes the longing for a better future and a better life.

The song's message is one of hope and encourages people to hold on to their dreams and work towards a better tomorrow. It is a reminder that tomorrow is always a new opportunity for change and growth, and that we should hold on to hope no matter what.

Line by Line Meaning

Tomorrow, koni tomorrow
We'll meet again tomorrow, just like we did before.

Sadio, ambè tomorrow
Sadio, I'll see you tomorrow, just as we've planned.

Sadio, djon té éfé ?
Sadio, how are you doing today?

Ousmane ko, k'abé éfè
Ousmane is doing fine despite his hardships.

K'abé éfè, ko né tè k'alé té sigui
Despite the challenges, he keeps moving forward.

Malienw ko, kow bifè
The Malians are doing well.

Kow bifè, ko né tè kolou té sigui
Although they have troubles, they continue to fight on.

Mö ma taa fölö ka naa
My heart is full of joy.

Saya ma sön nênê ma
I feel like dancing and singing in the streets.

Ahhh
I feel free and alive.

Saya kèra nênêbali di
I want to share my happiness with everyone around me.