Djolé (Jolé, Yolé) is originally a mask dance from the Temne, also known as Temine from the northern part of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Members of this ethnic group also live in Guinea. The rhythm is traditionally played on sikos / sicco’s, flat, square drums of various sizes, (strung with a goatskin). The mask that represents a woman is worn by a man dressed as a woman. (free from Mamady Keïta, CD: Wassolon). The song consists of Malinke and Susu sounds. The meaning of the song below that is often sung by Djolé: The players have come together to party. ‘Mami’ will join to go to the Siko drum festival. Let’s play the siko drums! Let the Siko festival begin! (Mami could mean mother here, but also refer to Mamady Keïta.) Have fun from Djolé, Jolé, Yolé!
Laila i ko korobé, korobé, korobé, mami watoné, aya, sico leleleko aya
sico la i ko, sico la i ko, wa wango sico la i ko, wa wango sico la i ko