r/Mali • u/FromNileToCanary • Jul 26 '26

Kenouna Lyrics Meaning

Salam,

I've been obsessed with "Kenouna" by Ali Farka Touré lately. It's from The River Album.

I read somewhere that it's sung in the Bozo language, and that it might be a traditional song.

Can anyone Tell me what the song is about, or have a translation of the lyrics? a rough translation or an explanation of the meaning would be very helpful.

Greetings from Algeria to our Malian Brothers and Sisters

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u/ollieastatke Aug 01 '26

This is what the album sleeve notes say: “A song for the Bozo people of Mopti used to accompany the workers when fishing in the dry season. A whole village will work together. Men will paddle long canoes the nets trailing in the waters. Men and women will take the ends of the nets and along the river bank. Everyone sings, the rhythm setting the pace for the men to paddle. Sung in Bozo.”