This is a song that celebrates the values which bonded ancient African societies together – kinship, family and community. However, we have permitted division to be utilised as the most powerful weapon to implant and sustain the exploitation of our continent. Africans have been brainwashed to believe that ‘tribalism’ and conflict are innate elements of African culture. It is no coincidence that the worst conflict and poverty are found in the richest countries in natural resources. I call for Africans to awaken and realise that perpetual conflict serves only to benefit those exploiting the continent. I reject the concept of ‘aid’ when more wealth is exploited from our land than all the aid that comes back. Africans have learnt a powerful sense of innate self-rejection: our beautiful languages, our beautiful cultures, our beautiful skin, our beautiful hair – we reject them all. I call Africans to fight exploitation by standing together and uniting in the hope of a Pan-African future. Youssou N’Dour features on this song as a symbol of the power of African icons in the cultural, economic and political spheres, and their active and effective role in empowering and inspiring Africans not just on the continent but around the world to stand proud.
credits
from Badinyaa Kumoo,
track released September 23, 2022
Composed and Produced by Sona Jobarteh
Lead Vocals Sona Jobarteh and Youssou N’Dour
Rhythm Guitar / Kora: Sona Jobarteh
Guitar Strum: Eric Appapoulay
Backing Vocals: Sona Jobarteh and Eric Appapoulay
Bass: Christian Obam
Drum Kit: Abdoulaye Lo and Westley Joseph
Sabar: Thio Mbaye
Djimbe: Mamadou Sarr
Tama: Yatma Thiam
Congas and percussion: Miroca Paris
Trumpet: Robin Hopcraft
Saxophone: Idris Rahman
Additional Programming: Hakim
Mixed by Femi Temowo
Mastered by Chris Pavey
supported by 30 fans who also own “Kambengwo (Feat. Youssou N'Dour)”
Dearest Arooj, firstly thank you. My brother died this year n what can be said about such loss n sadness. I saw n heard you at The end of the Road in England. I spent many years in India n love all the music, poetry of your heritage. Thankyou Arooj❤️ ben1769
supported by 23 fans who also own “Kambengwo (Feat. Youssou N'Dour)”
I love these women. the voices mesh together perfectly; also the world music is exceptional. I have all of their albums and they're all excellent. Give them a listen. Steve Lake
A master of the West African kora, living in Denmark, brings together folk and pop from different corners of the globe to stunning effect. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 5, 2018
supported by 23 fans who also own “Kambengwo (Feat. Youssou N'Dour)”
Ballaké Sissoko is my favorite kora player, and following his musical life has led me to some of my most beloved musical discoveries.
This latest release is every bit as gorgeous as all of his prior work.
And it is so clear how he brings the best out of each of his collaborators. Charlie Moonbeam