Kimi Djabaté – Alidonke

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Hailing from the country of Guinea-Bissau, gifted guitarist, percussionist and balafón (African xylophone) player Kimi Djabaté is one of Africa’s most exceptional talents. Now based in Lisbon, Djabaté has collaborated with Mory Kanté, Waldemar Bastos and Netos de Gumbé, and, most recently, the pop star Madonna on her single “Ciao Bella.”

“Alidonke” is from Djabaté’s exceptional upcoming album “Dindin,” which will be released by Cumbancha on February 24, 2023. “Alidonke” is a joyful celebration of finding love and friendship and the various forms of communication — smiling, talking, caring for each other and dancing together — that strengthens these relationships.

Video directed by Gabriele Modica

Learn more at https://www.cumbancha.com/kimidjabate
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3T2V7FO
Apple: https://apple.co/3S17oZW
Deezer: https://bit.ly/3RZELw7
Bandcamp: https://kimidjabate.bandcamp.com/album/alidonke

On the album “Dindin,” the multitalented musician carries on the customs of his griot heritage, singing entrancingly about the complexity of life in modern Africa for a broad, international audience. Blending traditional Afro-Portuguese rhythms with Afrobeat grooves, electric desert blues and hints of Afro-Latin swing, Djabaté weaves a unique tapestry of smooth and intricate sounds. “Dindin” is both highly personal, featuring intimate songs dedicated to family and friends, and undeniably universal in its themes of love, communication and human connection.

“Alidonke”
Words & Music by Kimi Djabaté
Published by Cumbancha Music Publishing (BMI)

LYRICS
Let’s Dance (English Translation)

Smile at me
My love
Speak to me
Give me your hand
It’s you that I want

The love of my life arrived
My friend has arrived
Smile at me
If you don’t smile at me, who will?

Speak to me
If you don’t speak to me, who will?
Let’s take care of each other
Let’s dance
Let’s dance
It's you that I want
The love of my life has arrived
My friend has arrived

Alidonke
(Original Mandinka)
Djelennhe kanunhoko djelenhe
Kumanhe ikanunhoko kumanhe
Ipulu dinma ikanunhoko ipulu dinma dé
Ntebilele fé ntebilele fé molu
Yoo ndjarabi ntebilele fé

Ikanunho n nata de Ifuronho n nata dé
Djelenhe Ikanunhoko djelenhe niman
Djelenhe by djonbe djelelanhe

Kumanhe ikanunhoko kumanhe niman
Kumanhe by djon by kumalanhe

Yoo ndjarabi ntebilele fé
Yoo ndjarabi ntebilele fé
Ikanana malya ikanana mokani
Dianamola maluya djamaro alidonké
Ifuronho nata dé
Ikanunho nata Ifuronho nata Ikanunho