The famous Guinean reggaeman Elie Kamano again hit strongly with the release of his latest clip "Ali Baba and his 40 Thieves". This new stunt is part of the dedicated line of the "Djelimankan", once again using its art to denounce the misfortunes of society and, in particular, the corruption of African leaders.
The clip sets up a reinterpretation of the classic story of Ali Baba from the Thousand and One Nights. In the original version, a poor carpenter discovers a cave filled with treasures guarded by 40 thieves. Kamano gives a political turn to this adventure by transferring the cave to poorly acquired wealth and the story itself to the widespread corruption of the ruling elites in Africa.
The short film begins with a solemn warning from a citizen determined to open the eyes of the King - the symbol of the heads of state - on the bribes of his immediate surroundings. The latter, blinded by the stumbling of wealth, keeps his ears deaf to the warnings until it is too late.
The striking images portray in an imaginary way the drifts of this court of dissolved morals. Scenes of drunkenness, depression and waste of public money are a cruel illustration of the misconduct denounced by Kamano's conscientious words.
"Ali Baba open your eyes well, your 40 thieves are surrounding you" repeats tirelessly the refrain, seeming to directly interpel the African presidents. "For years the thieves have snatched you, they have stolen everything on their way."
With this allegory-filled title, Elie Kamano continues his long-standing commitment to denouncing the actions of the predatory elites and the widespread malgovernment on the continent. This message is all the more powerful as the author himself has been confronted with the realities of injustice and dictatorship in Guinea.
After his controversial but federative "Revolutionary Army" in 2019, the Djelimankan returns with a more metaphorical but equally impactful record to shake consciousness. A new salve noted by the singer of peaceful protest and citizen responsibility.
There is no doubt that this clip of Ali Baba and his 40 Thieves will continue to make speech in the coming weeks, confirming whether it was still necessary the importance of the voice of Elie Kamano on the engaged African musical scene. To enjoy this new conscious jewel yourself, do not hesitate to (re)discover the clip on streaming platforms!
