Donso-electro duo Siraba release new two-track single on Real World X

Siraba is an explosive collaboration between Malian donso ngoni player and singer Boubacar Samake and French electronic producer Damien Vandesande. They recently performed their first UK show at The Jam Jar in Bristol, and during their visit were invited to Peter Gabriel’s Writing Room at Real World Studios to create two new tracks.

Rooted in the spiritual tradition of the donsow, or Malian hunter-musicians, Siraba is led by Boubacar Samake, a practicing hunter and son of the legendary Sibiri Samake. His voice and instrument carry the weight of centuries of wisdom. But the twist — and the thrill — is how Vandesande’s lush, bass-heavy production surrounds these ancient melodies, pushing them into a contemporary, danceable space.

The lead track, ‘Dâmba Kéle’, is an anthem for those who walk without fear. It honours the courage of hunters who face wild animals in the bush — but its message runs deeper: it’s a call for wisdom, balance, and respect. With vivid metaphor and poetic restraint, the song cautions against overkill — “don’t use a bullet meant for an elephant against a squirrel” — and pays tribute to those who protect ecosystems, honour seasons, and guard the delicate balance between life and death.

The second track, ‘Kongo’, is a celebration. A hymn of welcome to the great hunters and protectors of the land, it acknowledges legendary names — including Boubacar’s father Sibiri Samake himself — and calls out to those who defend the culture and honour of the donsow.

The accompanying video captures Siraba during the recording session in The Writing Room at Real World Studios — a secluded space set back in the trees away from the main studio. Boubacar appears in his grandfather’s traditional hunting costume, adorned with power symbols, totems and trophies of battle (like the tooth of a slain lion) shimmering alongside a pair of sleek sunglasses — a visual metaphor for the band’s sonic vision: a fearless blend of heritage and hypermodernity.

Siraba first made waves with their 2023 self-titled debut album, a record praised for its originality and depth in blending ceremonial donso music with electronic textures. Standout track ‘Ngana Fôlly’ receiving a remix by St Germain — a reimagining that further cemented the band’s reputation as bold innovators in global music. From international radio play to festival spotlights, Siraba’s debut positioned them as a rare voice uniting deep tradition and forward-thinking production.

The music of Siraba is not a fusion — it’s a transmission. The donso message of environmental ethics, spiritual duty, and collective memory are here rendered in thundering low-end and cosmic textures, not to dilute them, but to make them resound in new ears.

Dâmba Kéle’ / Kôngô is out now on all platforms via Real World X. Step into the world of the hunters. Watch the video for ‘Kôngô’ on YouTube and witness the spirit of the bush reawakened for a new age.

Listen/download the single