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).
Fafa
Vieux Farka Touré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aïné fafa-fafa a foyo sibeye ga nafa
Fafa dobeye afoyo sibeye ga hafa
Yerma hanga tiere-tieny-hermanotieré se wadjou
Yerma hanga tieré tieny-hermanotieré se lakale
Yerma damme tieré fondo
Aïné fafa-fafa ifoyo sibeyga nafa
Fafa doumbeye aïné ifoyo sibeyga nafa
The lyrics to Vieux Farka Touré's song "Fafa" are sung in a West African language called Bambara, and they talk about the power of tradition and heritage. The opening lines of the song, "Fafa doumbeye a foyo sibeygo nafa / Aïné fafa-fafa a foyo sibeye ga nafa," roughly translate to "Grandfather Fafa, from the past, you have come to teach us / Eldest brother Fafa, from the past, you have come to guide us." The use of the name "Fafa" is significant, as it is a Bambara name that is traditionally given to the eldest son in a family. Both of the verses in the song speak directly to Fafa, asking him to share his wisdom with the younger generations.
In the second verse, Touré sings "Yerma hanga tiere-tieny-hermanotieré se wadjou / Yerma hanga tieré tieny-hermanotieré se lakale / Yerma damme tieré fondo." These lines evoke images of rural life in Mali, where Touré is from. "Yerma" is a Bambara word that refers to the countryside or farmland, and the subsequent lines describe the different sounds and activities that can be heard there. The use of onomatopoeia (words that sound like the thing they are describing) is particularly poignant here, as Touré incorporates sounds like "tiere-tieny" (squeaking) and "hermanotieré" (sounds of farm animals) to create a vivid picture of rural life.
Overall, "Fafa" is a beautiful and contemplative song that speaks to the importance of tradition and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next. The use of Bambara language and imagery gives the song a unique and powerful effect.
Line by Line Meaning
Fafa doumbeye a foyo sibeygo nafa
A cherished possession is like a white stone that glows in the dark
Aïné fafa-fafa a foyo sibeye ga nafa
A cherished possession is like a precious diamond that shines bright
Fafa dobeye afoyo sibeye ga hafa
A cherished possession is like a rare gemstone that is valuable beyond measure
Yerma hanga tiere-tieny-hermanotieré se wadjou
But even the most precious possessions cannot compare to the beauty of the natural world
Yerma hanga tieré tieny-hermanotieré se lakale
The land and its creatures are what truly sustain us and bring us joy
Yerma damme tieré fondo
We must be stewards of the land and work to preserve it for future generations
Aïné fafa-fafa ifoyo sibeyga nafa
A cherished possession should be treasured and protected like the most precious jewel
Fafa doumbeye aïné ifoyo sibeyga nafa
Let us honor and care for our treasures, and in doing so, we honor the earth and all it provides
Contributed by Xavier G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Pantherfoot2
They opened for Khruangbin in Mesa, AZ last month. Great show and I am a follower for life now
@wendihay9423
I was trying to type in FAFSA but forgot the S, and this video came up in the search results. Nice Find!!! :) Beautiful music.
@9881dhananjay
Like father like son. Legends🙏
Love from India.
@zopi3297
C'est un des musiciens de mon enfance ( oui, je suis très jeune) et je trouve cet album absolument magnifique. Vieux Farka Touré, si un jour tu lis ce commentaire, sache que tu rend beaucoup de gens heureux avec ta musique, continue le plus longtemps possible.
@Bayoudigger1977
Just saw him in Lafayette, Louisiana at Festival Internationale and it was surreal. To all the musicians there is always someone in the crowd that carries your tune beyond the stage.
@goldleafsound
music is religion ! close your eyes and feel the power
@ameltsega7062
Like Father Like Son, God Bless Mali! Love all the way from your East Africa, Ethiopia!
@MrHowmer
Desert blues. God's music.
@np494609
he's awesome!! I saw him in concert the other day in DC, it was the best damn money i ever spent on a concert. the sound of his guitar was uplifting.
@dolceyohernandez9946
Escuché esta canción en la presentación del Mundial Sudáfrica 2010 y me gustó...