DAMBA

Damba, a Malinke pre-marriage rhythm, played on the occasion of the bride's ritual bath before the marriage ceremony. This rhythm has the signature "Dununba Family"-kenkeni part, yet is not a "Dununba" rhythm. "Dununba" rhythms are primarily danced by men as a display of strength and beauty. Damba is traditionally played for a young woman preparing for marriage. The break is the garden-variety 12/8 one, not the signature "Dununba" break.

Eh damba n'nya ko la damba leila,

eh damba n'nya ko la damba leila

eh damba n'nya ko la damba leila,

kore kore ji da ko man di,

damba la ko la fisa

Eh the river bank,

I want to wash my face by the river bank (3X)

the wash-water is not sweet,

it's good to wash by the river bank.

Last changed at 04-04-2000

Intro

Kenkeni

Sangban

Dun Dun