Amadou & Mariam & Manu Chao

Amadou & Mariam are a blind married couple from Mali, with this particular song featuring Manu Chao(remember Manu Chao?). Given that he's also the producer on this disc, it's also not surprising that this is the track that sounds most like a Manu Chao track - complete with that trademark Manu Chao bright-colored-paint quality to the video.

The youtube uploaders also made my life a little easier by providing useful commentary:

"In 2003 they were approached by world/Latin music star Manu Chao, who then produced their 2004 album Dimanche à Bamako (Sunday in Bamako), which also features his distinct vocal. In 2006 they recorded, together with Herbert Grönemeyer, the official anthem for the 2006 FIFA World Cup 'Celebrate The Day' (German: "Zeit, dass sich was dreht"). The song topped the German charts in June 2006."

I totally did not know that.

I also chose this song because it's about displacement. As Amadou said:

"The best solution is for those who have gone on this adventure to a strange land to think about those they left behind in their country. If they're in the big city, they must think about their parents and friends who have stayed behind in small villages. That's what we sang about in 'Senegal Fast Food,' because the song about exodus, about people who are going here and there. People who want to live this way have problems, with visas, with the police, all that. The best thing is to pay attention. You are there, but you don't know what's going to happen."

A critique of immigration policy, the consequences of increased globalization on traditional societies, and a good beat - what more do you want out of a tune?

Amadou & Mariam ft. Manu Chao
"Senegal Fast Food"
Dimanche a Bamako


Tomorrow: It's Saturday morning, fool!