This song is written in homage to African history, artefacts and monuments. I have created a rhythm for this song that is inspired by Takamba - a tradition belonging to the Tuareg and Songhai peoples of Niger and Mali. The featured singer on this song (Zihirina Maiga),
from Gao, is one of the oldest surviving singers of Takamba, and is still
a member of one of Mali’s most renowned Takamba ensembles, Super Onze. In this song I express the shame I feel seeing the thousands of tourists (including Africans) flocking to visit and pay respects to ancient monuments all across Europe whilst our own ancient sites stand quietly alone - people unaware even of their existence. I feel anger at the number of ancient artefacts that are still being held in captivity by nations who robbed them from our continent during colonial times. As a result of distorted education systems and a mentality of self-rejection, not enough Africans recognise, celebrate, respect or value their history enough to preserve the ancient sites we have on our continent, or fight for the rightful return of their stolen artefacts. The presence of Zihirina Maiga on this song stands as a symbol of the importance of valuing our amazingly rich culture and history, and the responsibility each new generation has to make sure the history is proudly celebrated, valued and re-told.
lyrics
Abandoned, desolate
Our monuments falling and crumbling
Our cultures, abandoned/neglected/rejected
Our history, lost/gone
Meanwhile
You crowd around foreign monuments
Abandoning your own
Nothing should erase your history
The future
Is built on history and culture
Erase it..
Then tell me, what remains
Why, why…
Our artefacts taken, we do nothing
(when) they were robbed from us
False stories nurtured
Just to devalue you
Value what is yours
Value our own history
Value your own history
Know your history
Preserve your own history
Preserve your history
Celebrate what belongs to you
credits
from Badinyaa Kumoo,
track released September 23, 2022
Composed and Produced by Sona Jobarteh
Lead Vocals: Sona Jobarteh and Zihirina Abdoulahi Maiga
Kora / Cello / Guitars / Calabash / Djimbe / Percussion / Bass: Sona Jobarteh
Ngoni: Ehya Assaleh
Backing Vocals: Sona Jobarteh and Eric Appapoulay
Drum Kit: Saleem Raman
Mixed by Femi Temowo
Mastered by Chris Pavey
supported by 30 fans who also own “Taariko (Feat. Zihirina Maiga)”
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 “Taariko (Feat. Zihirina Maiga)”
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 “Taariko (Feat. Zihirina Maiga)”
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