Verse 1

Jola Kelefa, Badora Jola Ialah
(The Jola Kelefa from Badora died)

Kelefa a la Tambo be Barria
(He left his spear in Barria)

Mingdolo Banta, Mingdolo Banta
(Roughly translated: His drinking days are done)

Kelefa Ba La Mingdolo Banta
(The great Kelefa, his drinking days are done)

Verse 2 and Interlude

Sou ole be dongna, sou ole be dongna
Jang fa tinyata, Sou ole be dongna
(The horses are dancing, the trick has failed)

Sada te Julu ba moi la
Satou Sada te Juluba moila
(If you are the useless person in town, the jalis won't sing for you)

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The song is about Kurunti Kelefa, who was a great king. He was from the village of Badora, and died (left his spear) in another village - Barria. He was in a war time, and there was a conspiracy which failed, causing him to lose the war and his life.

Jali is the name of the West African Griot, or kora player, who recorded histories like this through song.

Hear Bakary Jobarteh sing "Kelefa Ba"