Category: Mali

Music from Mali – Samba Toure

Recorded at Studio Mali in Bamako, in the autumn of 2012, Samba is joined by his regular band members Djimé Sissoko (n’goni ) and Madou Sanogo (congas, djembe) and guests such as the legendary, master of the soku (a one-stringed violin) Zoumana Tereta and the fast-rising Malian neo-traditional singer Aminata Wassidje Traore. Additionally, Hugo Race (The Bad Seeds, Dirtmusic, Fatalists) contributes an array of subtile atmospherics on guitar and keyboards. (youtube)

Translated lyrics:

Be Ki Don (Everybody Dance)
Song of celebration. When an artist enters a court or a village, the people gather to sing and dance.

Men know that Samba arrives
Women know that Samba arrives
Children know that Samba arrives
Everyone welcomes Samba Touré.

Why do you not talk together?
Brothers and sisters, couples, talk to each other
Not just on happy days
Life lasts only a few days, be united.

Men know that Samba arrives
Women know that Samba arrives
Children know that Samba arrives
Everyone welcomes Samba Touré.

 

Music from Mali – Tamikrest

Tamikrest (Tamashek for the node, the alliance, the future) is a band whose members belong to the people of the Tuareg. The band was founded in 2006. They  mix Tuareg music with Western rock and pop music. Her singing is in Tamashek. Main songwriter of the band’s frontman Ousmane Ag Mossa.

Here is their song “Toumast Anlet ” from their 2013 album “Chatma”

and a clip with live pictures “awesome ”

 

Music from Mali – Amadou et Mariam

This is a song from Amadou & Mariam, musical duo from Mali, formed in 1974. Amadou lost his vision at the age of 16 while Mariam became blind at age 5 as a consequence of untreated measles[wiki]. Here’s their nice song “je pense a toi ” ( I think of you ! really a nice love song )

 

 

Music from Mali – Rokia Traore

Rokia Traoré (born January 24, 1974 in Kolokani, Mali) is a singer from Mali. 1997 she  met the musician Ali Farka Touré Traoré , who  was an important inspration for her . In 1998, she recorded her first album.

From her album “Beautyful Africa” here is her song “Kouma”

Music from Mali – Le Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou

….. The opening track to the LP, “Leli”, immediately launches into the big brass sound and ostinato lead guitar which identify Mystère Jazz’s Malian style. The brass and guitar sections are also teasers for later solo passages – and what solos they are. Malian music of this period is renown for the quality of the lead guitar solos (e.g. National “A” Orchestra, Orchestre Regional de Kayes, Super Djata Band, etc) and Mystère Jazz are right up there with the best. ….

Info from : http://www.radioafrica.com.au/

what a great sound

Music from Mali – Boubacar Traore

Boubacar Traoré (born 1942 in Kayes, Mali) is a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Traoré also goes by the nickname Kar Kar, “the one who dribbles too much” in Bambara, a reference to his soccer playing: “a nickname I got from playing soccer when I was young. People would yell ‘Kari, Kari’ – dribble, dribble – the name stuck with me”.

Considered as a bluesman in the western countries, Boubacar Traore, is above all someone passionate whose music distils emotions and dreams with simplicity and precision. His powerful and warm voice sings his country’s history, the hope and despair of the Malian people, their love and expectations, the world surrounding them – striking melodies, all inspired from the Kassonke Malian tradition in which he has always bathed in.

His inimitable style warmhearted as well as wistful can be heard on his latest album, “Kongo Magni” released in 2005 by the label Marabi. Boubacar’s fame takes roots in the 1950s. He entertains the Malian post-independence days, when Bamako dances to “Mali Twist” or “Kabeya”. Here is the song “Mariama”

Music from Mali – Rokia Traoré

Rokia Traoré award-winning Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist.  Born in Mali as a member of the Bambara ethnic group, her father was a diplomat and she travelled widely in her youth.  She has released five albums the latest being Beautiful Africa released this year.  This is her song “Sabali“, the video is accompanied by a wonderful slideshow featuring Africa and its poeple.