Sarama [English translation]

In the streets of Bamako,

Borne along by their nonchalantly cadenced gait

Women of queenly bearing, crowned with head-dresses of bazin1

Women with luminous smiles, beautified by their short skirts

Large bodies carried proudly, draped in lacey boubou

Their elegance dazzles, their charm enchants

Everyday dressed like a queen

In blue, red, yellow dresses

Women in Bamako are beautiful

Ô Mali Mousow (Women of Mali)

I miss your smile

I want to hear your laughter

Hummmm

They are astonishing

Malian women are strong

My mothers are impressive

African women enchant

My revered ones!

Femininity is an art,

Maternity is a job of work.

Many talk about it

But few have mastered it

At the source of every great man a great woman reigns

In his magnanimity, the lord has granted them so much!

Ô Mali Mousow (Women of Mali)

I miss your smile

Everyday they face their destiny

Shirtless, barefoot under the sun

Women in Africa are strong

Ô Mali Moussow (Femmes du Mali)

I miss your smile

I want to hear your laughter

I admire the courage you face your destiny with

Ô Farafina Mousow (Women of Africa)

I miss your smile

I want to hear your laughter

My inspiration is drawn from you

Ô Farafina Mousow (Women of Africa)

I miss your smile

Anything good I can do

I want it to be a tribute to you

Ô Farafina Mousow (Women of Africa)

I miss your smile

The Malian woman is strong

The African women enchants

The Malian woman is strong

The African women enchants

The Malian woman is strong

The African women enchants

The Malian woman is strong

The African women enchants

1. A type of dyed cotton that is used to make boubou robes and other dresses

• Artist:Rokia Traoré
• Album:Beautiful Africa (2013)