Balakulania

[chango]

Hi,

According to Mamady Keita's A life for the djembe, Balakulania is the name of the song that goes with the rhythm. I've found a copy of the song on Spotify but was wondering if anyone knows the lyrics and their meaning?

[djembefeeling]

As almost always, there are several songs and different versions of the same song. the lyrics can change spontaneously, adapting to the event and persons involved.
"Balakulandjan is traditionally played at weddingsparty's where is often speculated on the firtility of this marriage. Also the rhythm is played like the soli, at circumcision-ceremonies. Sometime continues all the three days before the ceremonie."
http://www.djansa.be/Home/index.php?con ... &locale=fr

The best known version in the western world probably is that of Famoudou Konatés' and Thomas Ott's book "Rhythmen und Lieder aus Guinea":

Balakulandjan! Den de ka fissa!
Keme ta iye n'so den na!
I ba keme ke den kelen sonko di.
Keme ta iye n'so den na!

Balakulandjan! A child is better than anything (in the world)!
Take a hundred (things) and give me a child!
I give a hundred as a gift to receive a child.
Take a hundred and give me a child!

"Bala": sea, "Kulandjan": a long legged bird. The Balakulandjan is hunting for fish in the sea and this bird has said to the humans:
"I tell you: Children are the most important thing in life. Woman who do not bear children can ask for my help. Bring hundred things - and I will help you."
http://tontinkan.net/en/rhythm1.htm

you can easily find this information on the internet. a good start is always:

http://www.paulnas.eu/wap/

or, in a more convenient form:

http://freddyponcin.com/djembe_book/