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Habib Koite to his son

 Looking for the translation of "Wari", which means money in Mali, West Africa.

A message many fathers have to their sons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34cvzIHpiF0

Replies (10)
    • I hope to find time to do it tomorrow. I was born in Mali, this song is in Bambara the dominant language there. He is another Malian musician to make it out internationally.
      • After the first minute into the song I realized that the singer style of poetry made his expressions different from regular speech.

         

        My mother Fatoumata Dia happens to be visiting in the US, so I asked for her help. There was only one part where we could not make out what was being said. She explained to me that Habib Koite is from the Kayes region of Mali where they speak Kassonka and Bambara (the dominant language all over Mali). In addition, he sings in Sonraye the language of the one song of his I liked and had discovered after hearing sisters playing it. He might also speak Fulani. 

         

         

        Habib Koite ~ “wari”

        Tidiani, what thing you say I shall do for you. Today times are tough for me. Try to see if you can learn to walk on one leg.

        No matter what, no humble one (“djon” actually means servant of higher authority, as in slave) knows the future.

        If in your will you can help others. Know that helping others brings suffering. And, suffering’s remedy is happiness. Happiness will make you forget suffering.

        I think of you, a father cannot do the impossible. A father does not wish pauverty on his offspring. Beggeting! I need help beggetting a child!

        Tidiani, no one knows the future.

        To the one who says today I have a headache. Tell them that if not with 100 CFA, an aspirin is not free

        Tell them the beggar is sitting asking for alms by the road side. Tell them if they had the means they could be hope for others.

        Regarding money, all men need to bring some home.

        Anyone who wants to be a slave in this world, tell them: “fall in love with money.” Tell them: “I prefer have money than to be a slave.”

        May all folks also bring home money, even if only for your food.Tell them: “lunch can’t be had of air”

        Tell them; ‘The youngster is hanging at the side of the dourouni (public transportation), such is the way of an assistant ((assistant to the driver of the public transportation truck)).

        Not such a noble way, but look for your income may man. Tell them: It is an ancient saying; money does not come peacefuly.

        Tell them: It is not our truth; but money gets you out suffering.

        If I had the means I would plant trees all over Mali, all over trees would bloom money (?)

        This money issue, all need to get some, go tell them. I say, on this money issue, each man needs to get some.

        • Thankyou for the translation Surya. This Habib Koite and Bamada has amazing sounds and intricate sayings from a fascinating culture.

           

          • You are welcome, here is Takamba I first heard of him a couple of years ago: 

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnFae6JSYlE

            • Super, grande~Habib a superb guitarist. 

              And in this one, "Roma". I wonder what is the instrument that sounds like a knife sharpener?  Goes well with the pouring of tea, so unique... th comfort in listening...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSr3jUPpYmk

               

               

               

               

               

              • Myself or my mother will not know this one. I need to correspond with an aunt of mine who is a high school principal and an historian, I will ask her. Indeed, this background melody in Roma is adapted to the local activities and ceremonious pouring and consumption of green tea is, a valued tradition among many Sahelian nations. But not appreciated or even accepted in by conservatives or hyper religious.
                • So I had a chance to speak with my father who after some inquiry got back to me with some precise information.

                   

                  That instrument is called GNEGUETE. This term he obtained from an uncle of mine who is into various arts and very familiar with the village life. A similar instrument is the DARO, but that one is more used in the setting of the farmers' caste the other one is originally used by the hunters' caste.

                  They are indeed metallic instruments that are worn by the fingers and held in hand, the sound is made by the contact between the two as both hands come together.

                   

                  It is evident that there is definite loss of the use of traditional instruments in Africa, this can be surprising where music is such an important part of life in many of its aspects. The government in Zimbabwe recently introduced their instruments into the school curricula, click below.

                   

                  Zimbabwe revives ancient musical traditions

                  • Thanks, Surya. Probably the instrument you mention is being played in this piece, though a more modern make of the instrument, I suppose.

                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLfSO1lCJVs

                     

                    • Actually this instrument played by the artist to left of Habib would be much like the original. There seems to be a desire to represent the traditions in this work. At 1: 28 the musician standing to Habib's right is dressed in hunter outfit. He is only missing the reflective charms that are reputed to supposedly make the hunters who are the main carriers of firearms, aside from the military (and now insurgents) bullet proof.

                       

                      As a young elementary kid I did see at least once the hunters' entertainment in the evening. A nationally acknowledged hunter lived a couple of blocks (better said as "concessions" in French...) away. He had come to fame for killing an bull elephant (sigh) the meat of which was tasted by the community. I recall this to be gummy, pinkish and smelly for whatever reasons.

                       

                      For the anecdotal, my favorite uncle Sunkalo at the village, younger half sibling of my father took to the hunters' path. To demonstrate his fierceness, at the occasion of a hunters' entertainment night he had himself shot publicly in order to demonstrate the potency of his so called magical garb. This was over a decade ago; It didn't work, and he died. The investigation pointing at his ceremonious attire having been tempered with or switched didn't stick. Present environments degrades certain potencies, he found out the hard way. 

                      • A far cry from what I could imagine.

                         

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