Namania - Habib Koite, Bamada

I go to my little black girl

My little Moorish girl with ebony skin

The star that shines in the shade of the tomonon *

The unique beauty of the Moorish region

I go to Aiché, the Moorish girl

Oh, thank you God!

To have put her on my path

That all envious pass

Because I do not want to lose her like

I lost the great cailcedras* on the banks of the river Kayidin

I am afraid you will disappear from my sight Where are you then my little ebony

girl?

Are you dancing on the festival square?

Namania, despite your aquiline nose, your limpid eyes

Your slenderness, your long neck

Your long arms, your clear skin

You will never equal the little black ebony girl Mama Djombo!

guardian of young

initiates

Come to my aid… she is so beautiful.

(* types of trees found in Kayes, Mali)