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…
Diommaya
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…
