Lyr Req: Ngalam

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 26 Feb 14 - 03:47 AM

The whole of their Pirates' Choice is lovely. Ngalam is quite a long song. I have to say, in spite of my 'ear' for languages generally, I always found Wolof to be absolutely impossible to learn or even pronounce. I've travelled all over Senegal, including Casamance and Dakar, and found Djola easier to pick up than Wolof. I often stayed at a 'campement' called Mbind Djogoi, but every time I attempted to pronounce it the proprietor corrected me, as I was way off. I never did say it properly! (It means House of the Lion)
By the way, the modern and popular music styles in Senegal have strangely mixed roots. They draw from traditional griot singing, Cuban and South American music, Rasta reggae, Mali-type ballads and so on. All sung at varying loudness and softness, from tremendous volume almost a screech, to gentle and soft crooning. Their dancing is also magical. I've watched it often, and like most African dancers, they absolutely fling themselves into it like maniacs, in spite of the tremendous heat. I only once tried to do it, and caused hysterics, so never again! And their drummming... well! Wow! Their rhythms are so complex that very few Western drummers can perform them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Feb 14 - 06:39 PM

I have absolutely no idea how to transcribe it, but you'll find the song on this YouTube video. Great song.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 25 Feb 14 - 04:27 PM

Well, he listened, but sadly didn't understand a word of it! He says he'll send an e mail later to his sister's hubby, who's from Dakar (Senegal) so maybe he can give us some idea of the meaning.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 25 Feb 14 - 01:43 PM

I'll ask my husband when he gets home from work (30 mins) He's Ivorian, but he'll certainly know l'Orchestre Baobab, and may understand the lyrics, although Wolof is spoken in Senegal, not Cote d'Ivoire. They sometimes sing in Mandinke and French, both of which he understands. Failing that, my brother-in-law in Abidjan is Senegalese, and speaks Wolof. He may be able to help.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: Jack Campin
Date: 25 Feb 14 - 06:14 AM

If there is anybody in North America who can help, I bet Azizi knows who it is.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 14 - 10:50 PM

In addition, I think you will find the following more general information helpful and interesting:

http://wolofresources.org/music.htm

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 14 - 10:15 PM

If you want the east Java dialect please try at

http://www.bollynook.com/en/lyrics/13255/malang/

Best wishes :-)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: Thompson
Date: 24 Feb 14 - 05:53 PM

None?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 02:01 PM

Oh for goodness sake! I can't believe there are no Wolof speakers here.

Subject: Lyr Req: Ngalam
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:11 PM

I know this may be a bit on the far edges of Mudcat's ambit, but can anyone give me the lyrics of Ngalam, from the Orchestra Baobab CD Pirates Choice, and a translation?

The words are in the language of the Wolof people, so I know it's unlikely - but if anyone has any clue, I'd be grateful. They're not on the booklet within the CD.