Také is a rhythm coming from the Soninké-people in Mali. The Soninké, living in the Kayes-region, are neighbours of the Malinke and Bambara. The Bambara-people call the Soninké often ‘Maraka’ (and the French say ‘Sarahule’ or ‘Dafing’). When on festivities by the Malinke or Bambara also the Soninké / Maraka-people were invited, in honour of the guests the Marakadon (with the rhythm Marakafoli), the dance of the Maraka, was performed.
In Mali normaly only two bassdrums are used. (Doundoun + Sangban or Sangban + Kenkeni). The Malinke added extra patterns for the third drum or sjekere’s. The first song is about a woman that is going to merry soon.
Aye,n Demeyo Dembalou, (Tubabou) aye demeyo n’kele dessé
(help me all mothers, ( all the white people) because I can’t do it on my own)
The lyrics of the song below are dedicated to a king and a princes. It is a reminder to the responsabilitys that they have for their subjects. As their subjects affirm their dependance on their rulers they also express the wish that their rulers will treat them well, for in their traditional society their leaders exercised almost every right over them.
Iéé djoundjouba lé, sora kassi da kaban!,
Eéé Mögölou, Danga sirala, sora kassi dah,
Mögöbè ni igna souma mansa.
Anta Famah, anta djonty ( nissitigui, djélitigui baatigui) mödén, anta
Ah, it is an important matter, the eldest son has ceased to weep
Oh, people, the eldest son wept on the road to Danka
Every man has a chief who cures his eyes (the source of his happiness)
Our Famah, (King) the grandson of the slave master, is very much ours;
(alternate to : owner of the cattle master of griots*, the owner of goats,
(‘griots’=wandering poets and musicians who were often attributed with supernatural powers)