Salif Keïta’s melancholy song of praise for the first president of Guinea, Sékou Touré, was composed at a time when both the artist and the president felt under siege.
Mandjou, don’t cry
Son of Alpha Touré, don’t cry…
Jarabi by Sona Jobarteh
Jarabi (also spelled Diarabi) is a love song that first became popular with many kora players and guitarists in Mali, Gambia and Guinea in the early 1960’s.
Forgive me, mothers, but money cannot buy love
It’s true, forgive me, fathers, no riches can buy love…
Diommaya by Sékouba Bambino & Kandia Kouyaté
Diommaya is a song by two of West Africa’s most celebrated griots, warning the ruling elites of Guinea and Mali about the dangers of exaggerating their own self-importance. Wealth and power are blessings, but will often bring forth arrogance and a lack of consideration for others.
Oh! Refuse, refuse, refuse and say no
Don’t accept to be disrespected, refuse it…
Malisadio by Sory Kandia Kouyaté
Sory Kandia Kouyaté (1933–1977) was born into the Kouyaté line of griots who have served as poets, oral historians, advisors and counselors to the Keita dynasty since the 13th century, when Sundiata Keita founded the Mali Empire.
Oh Sadio, the hippopotamus from Bafoulabe
Oh Sadio, the hippopotamus from Bafoulabe …
