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about

Rokia draws on the wisdom of Mali’s griots to share the message that every life on earth has a purpose and a destiny. From the great elephant to the tiny ant, each has their own strength and power, or ‘fanga’. The song invites us to step forward and face our destiny. Jacknife Lee adds to Rokia’s striking, dramatic vocals a sparse backing with upright piano and haunting electronics, creating a captivating and timeless sound.

lyrics

Sama n’a fanga
Mènèmènè n’a fanga
Uhum bèe n’i jòyòrò
Mènèmènè n’a fanga
Mènèmènè n’a fanga
Bèe n’i jòyòrò don

Jaliden ma nya jaliya kò
Ala, bèe n’i fasiya
Bèe n’i taabolo

Numuden bè numunyala
O y’o fasiya ye

Funèden bè funèyala
O y’o fasiya ye

Ala, bèe n’i kuntere
Bèe n’i lakununkan
Maaya ye sanga ye
Maaya ye tuma ye
Maaya ye waati ye

Mansakè ni fanga
I n’i lakununkan

I mana kè sunkurunyarò


ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

The elephant is strong
The little ant is also strong
They are both equally important
The little ant is so strong
The little ant is so strong
All equally important

A griot cannot turn their back on jaliya
Allah, everyone follows their own heritage
And their own path

The son of a blacksmith follows his heritage
As it was handed down to him from his father

The son of a wordsmith follows his heritage
As it was handed down to him from his father

Allah, everyone follows their own fate
Their own destiny
Life is too short
Life is a short spell
A limited time

Strength to the King
He follows his destiny

Enjoy life, while you are still young

credits

released April 12, 2023
Vocals recorded on 22 June 2021 at Le Point REK, Dakar by Yvan Ginoux.
Piano & synthesisers record by Jacknife Lee.
Mixed by Jacknife Lee at The Garage, Topanga Canyon, California.
Mastered by Tim Oliver at Real World Studios.
Photography by Karen Paulina Biswell.
Styling by Cheikh Kébé.
Lyric translation and transcription by Wilfred Willey.

license

all rights reserved

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about

Rokia Koné Bamako, Mali

Rokia Koné is one of Mali's leading female artists. She is also a member of the West African music collective Les Amazones d'Afrique.

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