Gorillaz and Fatoumata Diawara’s “Désolé” is actually trilingual in its approach. Two of its languages are English and Bambara (with Fatoumata being from West Africa). And the title itself is in French and translates to “sorry”. And the track seems to be based on two different themes, or rather one storyline likely serving as a metaphor for the other. On one hand, it reads as if the vocalists are portraying characters akin to drug smugglers, specifically ones who would be individually carrying their “contrabande” in a boat. And somehow they’ve found themselves in a situation where they are “a long way from land” and in life-saving need of help. 

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But secondly there is also what can be described as a romantic undertone, as in 2-D (aka Damon Albarn) in particular stating his desire to “hold on to” Fatoumata. And again, the title of the song translates to “sorry”. So logically speaking, this track would more likely be about a romance than criminal activity. And despite the terseness of the lyrics, they seem to point to the idea of the relationship between the two vocalists, who are portraying lovers, having recently ended. 

Moreover it would seem that their romance had some serious, perhaps even violent, issues. But at the end of the day it also appears that 2-D especially wants to save their relationship, and they are both “sorry” that it has ended. Hence the title “Désolé” (“sorry”).

Facts about “Désolé”

This track serves as the second official single released from Gorillaz’s 2020 project “Song Machine: Season 1”.

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Said project is being co-helmed by the animator behind the Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett. Jamie also directed the music video to this song.

Its writers are Gorillaz’ leader Albarn, Fatoumata and two of the track’s co-producers, James Ford and Remi Kabaka. The other credited co-producer is the entire band.

is a Malian musician who is also an established actress. Mali itself is a Francophone country in West Africa. And likewise having spent a significant portion of her life in France, Fatoumata is actually a French-language musician. Some of the highlights of Diawara’s musical career has been performing with Paul McCartney in 2012 and The Roots in 2013. She was also nominated for a couple of Grammy Awards in 2019. And in terms of acting, she was featured in the critically-acclaimed 2014 film “Timbuktu”.