Story Behind The Song
Vocalist and electric guitarist Leni Stern has been studying the music of West Africa for many years. In 2006 at the Festival in the Desert she had the pleasure to meet master n'goni player Bassekou Kouyate and his wife singer Ami Sacko. After immediately becoming friends, Bassekou and Ami declared that they would "adopt" Leni into their griot African family. This song is describing their meeting and the happy connection that was established. "Alu Maye" is Bambara for "Have you seen?" which is asking, have you seen the new singer in town, referring to Leni.
Song Description
Afro-beat song featuring the singing of Leni Stern with backing vocals by Ami Sacko, also the n'goni playing of Bassekou Kouyate. The song was recorded at Moffu Studios in Bamako, Mali. It is a story song explaining Leni Stern's introduction to the Malian musical community.
| Song Length |
8:02 |
Genre |
World - African, Folk - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Peaceful, Content |
Subject |
Pride, Friendship |
| Similar Artists |
Jack Johnson, Susan Tedeshi |
Language |
Multi-Language |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
I found my song in a desert tent.
Bassekou heard me, and took me by the hand.
He said, "I'll tell my father about you. From now on, your name is Oumou. Oumou Kouyate."
Alu maye, alu maye.
Oumou Kouyate jelly nana.
We are the voice of kings and of common man.
We play, we sing, for as long as we can.
We remember what was, we know what is true.
From now on, your name is Oumou.
Now in my dreams I can see the line.
How it started way back in the beginning of time.
How we observe and we tell what people do.
I take my place, my name is Oumou.