AAwa Dabolé is a rhythm with beautiful Bambara / Djoula song that I heard during a hunting party in Kolina in Mali. It was sung by Oumou Mariko and on balafon accompanied by Lamin ‘Balani’. From him I learned to play the rhythm, later in Bamako. Nine years later I learned a nicer but more difficult basic pattern from Youssouf Keita. The song calls for the feast (Awa) to begin (Dabolé)! In the first part you will see what starts (Dabolé) and which instruments will play (Kambora). In the second part of the song the players are called with their instruments:
Awa Dabolée Manou, Awa Dabolée Manou
Awa Dabole Anga Balanifo Dabolé Manou, Awa Dabolée
Awa Dabolé Anga Sangbani Kambora Manou, Awa Dabolée
‘Name’ Ka Balani Dabole Manou, Awa Dabolée
‘Name’ Ka Balani Kambora Manou, Awa Dabolée
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