Fanga

Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee

Released 27 April 2023

  1. Fanga

Liner notes

In this companion single to the 2022 album BAMANAN, Rokia draws on the wisdom of Mali’s griots to share the message that every life on earth has a purpose and a destiny. From the great elephant to the tiny ant, each has their own strength and power, or ‘fanga’. The song invites us to step forward and face our destiny. Jacknife Lee adds to Rokia’s striking, dramatic vocals a sparse backing with upright piano and haunting electronics, creating a captivating and timeless sound.

The accompanying video for ‘Fanga’ is a beautiful visual duet between Rokia, filmed on the west coast of Africa, and contemporary dance artist Moses Ward, filmed in England. Directed by Zambian choreographer Kennedy Junior Muntanga, the video explores a young man’s journey towards acceptance of his destiny, guided by the voice of his ancestors.

Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee - Fanga (Official Video)

Credits

Written by Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee

Vocals: Rokia Koné
Piano, synthesizers: Jacknife Lee

Rokia’s vocals recorded at Le Point REK, Dakar, Senegal on 22 June 2021 by Yvan Ginoux. Other instruments recorded at The Garage, Topanga Canyon, California by Jacknife Lee.

Mixed by Jacknife Lee at The Garage, Topanga Canyon, California
Mastered by Tim Oliver at Real World Studios

Photography by Karen Paulina Biswell

Further Listening

  • BAMANAN

    Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee

    Released 18 February 2022

    It’s a voice that soars — pure, clear and true — above bass and synths, traditional percussion and infectious Mande guitar grooves. A stop-you-in-your-tracks voice instantly familiar to anyone in Mali, West Africa: Rokia Koné, a.k.a the Rose of Bamako. On her debut album, she teams up with California-based rock producer Jacknife Lee to reimagine the Malian sound in ways both leftfield and beautiful.
  • Amazones Power

    Les Amazones d’Afrique

    Released 24 January 2020

    A creative force that embraces international voices; sweet, strong harmonies that summon the rights of women and girls; a meltdown of heritage and new gen talent… Les Amazones d’Afrique are back with Amazones Power, the sequel to their widely acclaimed 2017 debut album, République Amazone.

Further reading

Afro-futurist sensations Onipa announce forthcoming album Off The Grid; share ‘No Commando’

The album features an impressive cast of collaborators including Moonchild Sanelly and David Walters

Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee share brand new song ‘Fanga’

Following the success of their 2022 collaboration album BAMANAN, Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee return w...

Track of the day: ‘Sajanava’ by Jasdeep Singh Degun

Sajanava is taken from Jasdeep Singh Degun's debut album Anomaly.

Guitarist Salif Koné demonstrates three musical styles from Mali

Rokia Koné and Les Amazones d'Afrique's guitarist demonstrates Mandigue, Bamana & Tuareg music.