Fun Fact
The original song, “Senegal Fast Food” by Amadou & Mariam, is a song that addresses themes of cultural identity, globalization, and the impact of Western consumerism on traditional African values. The lyrics reflect on the rapid changes in Senegal and Africa as a whole, where traditional lifestyles are increasingly influenced by Western ideas and commercialization. The song’s title, “Senegal Fast Food,” serves as a metaphor for the quick pace of change and the influx of Western culture and consumerism. It suggests that traditional values and ways of life are being replaced by a fast-food, instant-gratification mentality. The song’s message is a contemplation of the complex relationship between globalization and cultural preservation in Africa.
About the Artists
SOFI TUKKER is an American electronic music duo consisting of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern. They are known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, including house, pop, and tropical. SOFI TUKKER has released two studio albums, Treehouse (2018) and Wet Tennis (2022), and several EPs and singles. They have won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album for Treehouse.
Amadou & Mariam are a Malian couple who have been making music together for over 40 years. Amadou Bagayoko is blind, and Mariam Doumbia is partially sighted. They are known for their blend of traditional African music with blues, rock, and pop. Amadou & Mariam have released over a dozen studio albums and have toured extensively throughout the world. They have won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album for Dimanche à Bamako (2005).
About the Song
SOFI TUKKER and Amadou & Mariam’s “Mon Cheri” is a celebration of love and dance. The song is a joyous and uplifting anthem that is sure to get you moving.
The song begins with a simple but effective guitar riff and a vocal declaration of love. Sophie Hawley-Weld, the lead singer of SOFI TUKKER, sings:
Quando o coração pára A eternidade começa O tempo dispara Quando o ritmo cessa Tudo acontece Tudo se esquece Tudo acontece Tudo se esquece Tempo só existe
The lyrics are in Portuguese and English, and they perfectly capture the feeling of being in love and lost in the moment. Hawley-Weld sings about how love makes time stop and how the only thing that matters is the rhythm of the music.
The chorus of the song is particularly catchy, and it is sure to get stuck in your head after just one listen. The chorus goes:
Oh mon amour ensemble on s’en va Oh ma chérie ensemble on s’en va
The second verse of the song features Amadou & Mariam, a Malian couple who have been making music together for over 40 years. Their vocals are perfectly matched to Hawley-Weld’s, and the two groups create a beautiful and harmonious sound.
The bridge of the song is a celebration of dance and the power of music to bring people together. Hawley-Weld sings:
Quando o ritmo cessa Soufai barola an be ensemble on s’en va Soufai barola an be ensemble ensemble
The song ends with a reprise of the chorus, and it leaves the listener with a sense of joy and euphoria.
“Mon Cheri” by SOFI TUKKER and Amadou & Mariam is a musical gem that transcends borders and genres, inviting listeners to celebrate love, unity, and cultural diversity. The collaboration between these two dynamic musical acts is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures and bring people together in joyful harmony. As a vibrant fusion of electronic, Afrobeat, and pop elements, “Mon Cheri” stands as a shining example of the beautiful diversity that can emerge when artists from different backgrounds come together to create music that inspires and uplifts.
The Original
Amadou & Mariam’s ‘Senegal Fast Food’ is a thought-provoking musical commentary on the impact of globalization and Western consumerism on traditional African cultures, delivered through a vibrant fusion of Afrobeat and world music.
