Tiken Jah Fakoly (1968) is a reggae singer from Odienné, Côte d’Ivoire (a.k… Read Full Bio ↴Tiken Jah Fakoly (1968) is a reggae singer from Odienné, Côte d’Ivoire (a.k.a Ivory Coast).

Tiken Jah was born into a family of griots and christened Doumbia Moussa Fakoly on June 23, 1968 in Odienne, north-western Côte d'Ivoire. He discovered reggae at an early age, assembling his first group, Djelys, in 1987. He became well-known at a regional level, but would soon ascend to national recognition.

Concerned by the social and political evolution of his country, it was not long before Tiken Jah was writing incisive works on the political environment in Côte d'Ivoire. One such work was on the death of Felix Houphouet-Boigny in 1993, which resulted in a surge of popularity amongst the nation's youth. In 1998, Fakoly made his first international appearance in Paris.

Tiken Jah Fakoly plays music "to wake up the consciences". His music speaks about many injustices done to the people of his country, and those over Africa. As such, African listeners feel a deep affinity with his lyrics as Fakoly speaks for people whom are under oppression. This connection has helped make Tiken Jah Fakoly a much-listened artist throughout both Europe and Africa.

Discography

1. 1993: Les Djelys (cassette only - discontinued)
2. 1994: Missiri (cassette only - discontinued)
3. 1996: Mangercratie
4. 1999: Cours d'histoire
5. 2000: Le Cameleon (exclusive to West Africa)
6. 2002: Françafrique (a term coined by Francois Xavier-Verschave)
7. 2004: Coup de gueule
8. 2005: Africa wants to be free, compilation to support fr:Survie (association)

NOTE: Mangercratie was released in France in 1999 and in Canada in 2000. Cours d'histoire was released in France in 2000 and in Canada in 2001. The first two albums were only released in Côte d'Ivoire.

Outside Projects

Tiken Jah Fakoly has recorded various tracks with other artists. He is featured on Steel Pulse: African Holocaust, on Rike: Airt Frais, on Bernard Laviliers: Carnet De Bord, on Amadou & Marima: Dimanche A Bamaco, on Dub Incorporation: Life, and on Tata Pound: Cikan. He also appears on the compilation African Consiences with Mebgane N'Dour. He will be featured in the upcoming movie Les Oiseaux Du Ciel, directed by Eliane De Latour.

Awards:

2003: Victoires de la Musique 2003, in the category of Reggae Album/Ragga/World with the album Françafrique.

Saya
Tiken Jah Fakoly Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

ko siaman bara
yira silamamou la
ko saya kétÖ
ko saiman bara
yira adamadénnou ra
ko saya kétö
ni n'n ka m'miri
wo tara

karikiyama
ni n'n ka m'miri
wolo na béré na
o tara hariki yama
ko siama bara
yira silamalou la
ko saya kétö
ko saiman bara
yira adamadennou ra
ko saya kétö
yira adamadénou ra
ko saya kétÖ
an gnan séli
an gne hiné
an gné djaja bö
an gné di ya gnön gné
djaja dounouya
té soyé
ka siaman baka
yira silamou la
ko saya kétÖ
ko siaman bara
yina admadennoura
ko saya kétö
an gné diya gnon gné
dounouya té so yé
an gné ké gnön fé
dounouya té so yé
ko siaman bara
yira silamalou
ko saya kétö
ko saman bara
yira simalalou la
ko saya kétö
ko saiman bara

yira admadennou ra
ko saya kétö.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tiken Jah Fakoly's song Saya paint a vivid picture of daily life and struggles in Mali, West Africa. The repetition of "ko siaman bara" and "ko saiman bara" emphasizes the importance of community and coming together to overcome challenges. The lines "ni n'n ka m'miri wo tara karikiyama" describe the harsh realities of poverty and the need for resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Despite these difficulties, the lyric "an gné di ya gnön gné" speaks to the importance of staying grounded and connected to one's roots.

The chorus "ko saya kétö" can be interpreted as a call to action, a reminder to stay focused and determined, even in the face of difficult circumstances. The lyrics that follow, "an gnan séli," "an gne hiné," and "an gné djaja bö," further highlight the need for unity and solidarity within the community. The line "dounouya té soyé" speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity, and the idea that we all must work together to create a better world.

Overall, Tiken Jah Fakoly's Saya is a powerful and thought-provoking tribute to the struggles faced by those living in Mali and other poverty-stricken communities around the world. It reminds us of the importance of community, resilience, and staying true to our roots in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

ko siaman bara
In this place where I stand

yira silamamou la
My voice echoes far and wide

ko saya kétÖ
I declare my mission

ko saiman bara
This land where I am

yira adamadénnou ra
My message resonates with the people

ko saya kétö
I declare my mission

ni n'n ka m'miri
I am not alone

wo tara
I have my guitar

karikiyama
It is my weapon

ni n'n ka m'miri
I am not alone

wolo na béré na
We will fight together