Amadou & Mariam - Dougou Badia (Feat. Santigold)

Amadou & Mariam have consistently churned out high quality musical output that projects considerable warmth. From the earthy colours opted for on their album sleeves to the instrumentation on any given track, their sound is like an effusive but comforting caress from the rays of the Sun. This is probably more pronounced against the background of their Malian descent (Mali being one of the world’s poorest and underdeveloped countries). While it may be easy for a Western audience to condescendingly lament their lack of fortune in the lottery of life, Amadou et Mariam certainly do not come across as victims; they have the gift of seeing beauty in just being alive and in love.

‘Dougou Badia’ feels like a call to arms of sorts, as Amadou and Mariam sing together while a somewhat anxious blues guitar riff races toward them. However, as unrelenting as the guitar is, the soaring vocals pierce the song like sunshine through a rain cloud. The track also features Santigold whose signature war cry-like chants inject some adrenalin. While there is an air of unrest about the track, the overall tone feels celebratory.

With ‘Dougou Badia’, Amadou & Mariam have another fine addition to their glowing back catalogue. It is little wonder as to why so many artists have lined up to work with them (just check the list of collaborators on ‘Folila’). If this song is any indication of what is to come, ‘Folila’ will be a truly special album.