Mariama - Baaba Maal

Ah little pigeon

Thank you Mariama Diallo, Diallo Dieri

Nimma Mariama

Mariama, namesake of Mariama the golden pigeon

Mariama Sola

Mariama the perfect mother

Mariama the ideal woman

Mariama a true sister

Turtle Dove, Mariama Diallo Dieri

Mariama, a real beauty

Mariama’s neck is long and graceful

Mariama’s countenance is beautiful

Mariama smile a little

And I will reward you

Look!

you are the moon among the stars

Look!

you are a light in the darkness

My turtle dove

You stand out from the other women

Like a white crested heron among birds

Ah my turtle dove

Thank you, Diallo Dieri

She doesn’t tease

She bears no ill will

Nor even hints at it

Diallo the Peul

Yes Mariama Diallo Dieri Nimma

Dark as ebony

Daughter of God

Diallo Dieri

Mariama looks after her family so well

Mariama cares for all her husband’s needs

Oh Mariama

It’s time now to see to your neighbors

For you are well known for that

Diallo Dieri

Mariama the perfect mother

Mariama the ideal woman