Salif Keita – Madan
Did you know that Salif Keita was born albino and is a direct descendant of the founder of Sundiata Keita, who founded the Mali Empire? Despite his social standing, Kaita was unwealthy and an outcast (for his albinism) in his hometown, until he moved to France in 1984.
By 2002, he had left Paris, to go back to his home country. His first album from Mali is called Moffou and contain this brilliant track “Madan” (check out that koras plucking!) The critics all hailed that this was his best album in many years.
I don’t want to compare Keita to Tinariwen, but I think if you listen to both tracks, it has a very similar feel to it. Both tracks contain a uniquely-sounding African rhythmic beat and the women backup singers are just wonderful to listen to.
Although French is the official language of Mali, this song is definitely not French. Can anyone translate what the song is saying ? I’d love to get an understanding of the lyrics.
