suggested reading method
To best savour this artwork, please take a moment to eliminate distractions. Consider minimizing all other windows on your computer; putting other devices (phone, tv etc) aside; taking a deep breath, to the full extent of your lung capacity; and focusing solely on the “artwork” section.
Once you’ve processed that to your satisfaction, the rest of the post is optional reading, provided only to share my own impressions and reasons for choosing this piece.
artwork
“Douha (Mali Mali)” by Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara, from Disclosure’s 2020 album ENERGY.
Lyrics:
Donsolu bè Africa / There are hunters in Africa
Alimamibalu bè Africa / There are great imams in Africa
Filosòfulu bè Africa / There are philosophers in Africa
Balontannabalu bè Africa / There are great footballers in Africa
Mali Mali, Malidenw ka duwawu kè tunkanadenw ye / Mali Mali, Malians in Mali should send their blessings to those living abroad
Mali Mali, Mali nyènafin b’anw na yan / Mali Mali, we miss Mali so much!
interpretation
ENERGY could not be a more fitting title for Disclosure’s last full-length album; we sure needed good vibes in 2020, and we still do. For me, “Douha (Mali Mali)” is the standout track from ENERGY. Howard and Guy Lawrence’s beats and bass perfectly syncopate and weave around Fatoumata Diawara’s beautiful vocals. From start to finish, the song exudes optimism, pride, and hope for Africa, and the world by extension.
I most love how the volume scales back in the middle; this is by no means an unique technique in dance music (and Disclosure themselves use it quite often), but certainly welcome to create a bit of drama in what would otherwise be a straightforward composition. The “underwater” effect grants space to breathe and recalibrate. As the beats gradually ramp up again, I imagine the buildup would make everyone on the dance floor explode with anticipation. Sure enough, the chorus is just as satisfying the next time around.
As with many of Disclosure’s tracks, it’s impossible to listen to this song and not want to dance. And that’s all we need sometimes, isn’t it? Dancing reminds us there’s more to life than the stressor of the day; there is always ineffable joy in music and free human expression.
context
Disclosure is a producer duo of British brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence (born in 1994 and 1991 respectively). Earning multiple Grammy award nominations for their albums and recordings, their sound blends house, techno and garage with guest vocalists and samples.
Fatoumata Diawara (born in 1982) is a Malian singer-songwriter and actress. She was nominated for Grammy Awards for her last 2018 album, Fenfo, and for another collaboration track with Disclosure entitled “Ultimatum.”
In this video, Diawara explains the meaning of the lyrics in “Douha (Mali Mali)”: “douha” means praying, as Diawara hopes the world will support her country, and keep dancing with a smile. In her words, “We need good vibrations in this world because not only Mali that we have problems… we want you to rise, to go up, up, up, up, up!”
Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments!
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one of my favs off the album too for sure!! that scaling back in the middle technique you mentioned was something i didnt notice they used so often in tracks!