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.
Words & Music by Kimi Dkabaté

Published by Cumbancha Music Publishing (BMI)

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

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

Kimi Djabaté was raised in Tabato, Guinea-Bissau, a village known for its griots, hereditary singer-poets whose songs of praise and tales of history and legends play an essential role in Africa’s musical life. Centuries ago, Djabaté’s ancestors, a wandering troupe of musicians from Mali, traveled to the region and the king of Guinea so loved their songs he invited them to stay and offered them the territory of Tabato. Ever since, the area has been a recognized center for music, dance, handcrafts and other creative arts.

In 2005, Djabaté independently released his first solo album, Teriké , followed by Karam in 2009, which was released by Cumbancha and met with resounding praise. His third album, Kanamalu , came out in 2016. Djabaté’s albums pay tribute to his griot heritage and the spirit of Africa, laying a foundation for his latest musical masterpiece, Dindin , scheduled for release by Cumbancha on February 24, 2023.
Recently, Djabaté has worked with the pop star Madonna , who moved to Lisbon in 2017 and become entranced with the vibrant Afro-Portuguese music scene. She credits Djabaté with introducing her to the distinctive sound of gumbé music, which she then became committed to sharing with her millions of fans. In 2019, Djabaté was a featured singer on her song “Ciao Bella ,” and continues to strengthen his friendship with Madonna through their mutual love of African rhythms.
The central themes of Djabaté’s music are the joys and challenges of life in Africa, from freedom and poverty to the rights of women and children and the many forms of love. Continuously optimistic about the power of music and its message to create a better future for Africans, Djabaté’s magical songs remain uplifting and hopeful even as they reflect on contemporary struggles and challenges. An expression of his griot roots, Djabaté pays tribute to the people, soul and spirit of Africa that is at the heart of his music.