The animated band take a chill boat cruise with the Grammy-nominated Malian superstar.
Saying “sorry” is hard enough, but try pulling it off in three languages. That’s what animated rockers Gorillaz do on the second selection from their ongoing Song Machine series, “Désolé,” which dropped on Thursday morning (Feb. 27).
The collaboration in English, French and Bambara — featuring Grammy-nominated Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara — is accompanied by a video of a mellow cruise along Lake Como, Italy, with 2D, Noodle and Russel.
Unfortunately, Murdoc is left behind when the animated trio hop into a portal in the Kong Studios to teleport to their exotic locale. The bossa nova-style song clips along on gently strummed and plucked guitar and a chilled-out beat, as Gorillaz singer Damon Albarn repeats the song’s refrain. Meanwhile, Diawara adds impassioned counterpoint vocals, singing “Désolé, complique” as strings and horns swell up in the background.
In a statement accompanying the clip — which was directed by Albarn’s chief collaborator on the projects, animator Jamie Hewlett — drummer Russel says, “Making ‘Désolé’ with Fatou was a real moment for me, you know. She’s an African Queen. This lady made the song what it is, beautiful, like life. What can I say about Désolé? They say sorry is the hardest word, but that’s not true… Try saying antidisestablishmentarianism with a mouth full of gluten free cronuts on a speed boat without licking your lips.”
Watch the “Désolé” video below.
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