Since his childhood, Vieux Farka Touré has been deeply inspired by the music of his father, Ali Farka Touré. Growing up in Mali's capital, Bamako, as well as in his father's hometown of Niafunké in the Sahara desert - both teeming with rich musical life - Vieux proved himself a precocious talent as a drummer and calabash player. Ali, however, grew concerned about his son's future as he observed his son's budding musical gifts. Having long suffered in the music industry himself before finally finding a home with World Circuit Records, Ali did not want his son to have to have to face the same hardships. He forbade Vieux to play music and decided that Vieux should become a soldier instead. Vieux, as stubborn as his father's moniker FARKA (donkey) suggested, began instead to play along with his father's recordings in hiding, determined to pursue his musical aspirations.
In 1999, Vieux -- now a young man -- decided to take his destiny into his own hands. He enrolled in the National Arts Institute in Bamako, openly defying his father's wishes. It was there that Vieux truly discovered his musical calling, picking up the guitar and beginning to compose his own music. By the time he left the Arts Institute, he was already a locally celebrated guitar virtuoso, able to emulate almost perfectly his father's playing. Word began to spread throughout Bamako that Ali's successor was emerging. It was then that Toumani Diabaté - the world's premiere kora player - first took notice of Vieux, and brought him into his performing ensemble. Recognizing Vieux's abilities, Toumani urged Ali to accept his son's chosen path. Ali agreed, and under Toumani's artistic guidance, Vieux flourished. He performed in France and South Africa and even began to accompany his father on guitar. At the same time, his own stunning compositions introduced new sounds and influences into the tradition of desert blues from Northern Mali.
In 2005, Vieux reconnected with his friend Eric Herman, a North American musician and producer with whom Vieux had played while he was a student at the Arts Institute. Both Vieux and Eric realized that it was time that Vieux record his debut album. They quickly got to work in the studio. Toumani agreed to contribute his awesome talent on two of the tracks. Meanwhile Ali - growing increasingly ill with cancer - offered his final recordings to Vieux's self-titled debut album, the ultimate expression of approval of his son's path, passing him the torch with which to light his way.
Since then, Vieux has released two more studio albums (Fondo, 2009, and The Secret, 2011), a remix album (UFOs Over Bamako, 2008), and a live album (LIVE, 2010).
Diarabi
Vieux Farka Touré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Moom kery la ne doumbé e de fè
Moom kery la djarabie
Moom kery la ne doumbé e de fè
Iyo chérie yo chérie yo
Inna de ko ki tè fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
Itery de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
Ikana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Itery de ko ki tè fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
Ifa de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
Inna de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefè ne doumbé e de fè
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
Djarabie kosso
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
The song "Diarabi" by Vieux Farka Touré is a celebration of love and the power it holds. The lyrics, which are mainly in the Bambara language, speak of the beauty and all-consuming nature of love. The refrain "Moom kery la ma chérie" means "My dear, don't leave me" and it is repeated frequently throughout the song. The singer is pleading with his partner not to leave him, as she is his everything. He talks about how love can conquer all, and how it is worth fighting for.
The rest of the song goes on to describe how the couple will overcome any obstacles that come their way. The line "Itery de ko ki tè fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè" means "The wind may blow but we will not fall" which shows the resilience of the couple. There are also mentions of the djarabie plant, which is believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat ailments including infertility. This reference to the djarabie plant is thought to symbolize the healing power of love.
Overall, "Diarabi" is a beautiful celebration of love, and the lyrics are full of passion and emotion. The singer's soulful voice and the traditional West African music create a perfect backdrop for the message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Moom kery la ma chérie
My heart is full, my dear
Moom kery la ne doumbé e de fè
It's overflowing with love, cannot be contained
Moom kery la djarabie
It's overflowing with the beauty of a woman
Iyo chérie yo chérie yo
Oh my dear, my dear, oh
Inna de ko ki tè fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
The sun shines brightly, the wind gently blows, my love still overflows
Itery de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
The evening comes, the wind still blows, my love overflows
Iba de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefè ne doumbé e de fè
The night falls, the wind still whispers, my love still overflows
Ikana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
The heart beats, the feet dance, the eyes marvel at the beauty of a woman
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Oh my dear, my dear, the beauty of a woman is great
Itery de ko ki tè fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
The evening comes, the wind still blows, my love overflows
Ifa de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefé ne doumbé e de fè
The dawn breaks, the wind still blows, my love overflows
Inna de ko ki té fourouma ko fintènefè ne doumbé e de fè
The sun shines again, the wind still whispers, my love still overflows
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
The heart beats, the feet dance, the eyes marvel at the beauty of a woman
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
The heart beats, the feet dance, the eyes marvel at the beauty of a woman
Kana dimi ikana kassy ikana miri djarabie kosso
The heart beats, the feet dance, the eyes marvel at the beauty of a woman
Djarabie kosso
The beauty of a woman is great
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Oh my dear, my dear, the beauty of a woman is great
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Oh my dear, my dear, the beauty of a woman is great
Iyo chérie yo chérie djarabie magnie
Oh my dear, my dear, the beauty of a woman is great
Writer(s): Ali Farka Toure
Contributed by Evelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kamiltemizel1583
Ali Farka Toure, the unforgettable name of authentic African music. Rest in peace. Thanks Khruangbin.
@aquaticborealis4877
I saw Ali play twice, once in Montreal, and in Guelph. Almost 30 years ago now. Wonderful music.
@Bonnie-.
This is absolutely beautiful. In Zanzibar, Tanzania listening at 3:56 am. Feeling so happy 🥰
@wilsonstrong5597
Wow how’s Zanzibar rn ?
@crispybits3765
I can't quite put into words how much Khruangbin have added to my life. The joy, the colour, the excitement and a deep sense of reflective melancholy , that only music can provide. This is just beautiful and another fantastic collaboration.
@briannabuurs1821
I agree.
@nicholasphiri2267
💯
@williedynamyte
Reflective melancholy indeed.
@christianheinz3395
Yeah, you gotta love Khruangbin. They are great.
@skhosra2132
Well said, could not agree more