Salsa has been a hugely popular style in Central and West Africa since the 1940s-1950s, and the goal of Africando was to merge salsa rhythms from both sides of the Atlantic, mainly based on the African salsa tradition.
Africando was initiated by West African producer Ibrahim Sylla, Malian arranger Boncana Maiga (of Fania All Stars) and legenday charanga singer Ronnie Baro. Some of the musicians initially involved were: Pape Seck (ex member of Star Band), Nicholas Menheim (associate of Youssou N'Dour), and Medoune Diallo (formerly with Orchestre Baobab).
The first two albums were a big success both in Africa and in the rest of the world. Singer Pape Seck died in 1995, and was replaced by Gnonnas Pedro from Benin (who died August 2005) and Ronnie Baro of Orquestra Broadway.
For the latest albums, well known African musicians, such as Tabu Ley Rochereau, Koffi Olomide, Salif Keita, Sekouba Bambino, Amadou Balake; and Thionne Seck were invited. This new constellation led to the new name Africando All Stars. Whilst in the beginning, the songs were Latin classics sung in wolof language or a mix of wolof and spanish, newer songs were African classics, redone with latin rhythms and instrumentation. With both approaches, Africando has been equally successful.
Sama Rew
Africando Lyrics
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Anang nuan nangi
Aku aku tu sulu
Aku ke pagan nuan sampai ke ila
Uji nuan pecaya kejako aku
Ukai nyak bula bula
Ukai semina bepura-pura
Anang nuan tusah
Anang nuan beraie
Aku aku besumpah enda mungkir janji
Nadai urang bukai kelimpah ari nuan siku
Semina nuan aku sayau didunya tu
Nuan lebih nemu pengeran ati tua sulu
Sama keran sama sayau sama rindu
Aku ambis ati
Enda ngayah ke nuan
Ukai bejaku bula
Ukai semina bepangan aja
These lyrics are from the song "Sama Rew" by Africando, which is sung in the Malay language. The song is about a love that is so strong that it is unbreakable, and the lyrics reflect the depth of commitment between the two lovers. The singer begins by expressing his love for his partner, stating that he will never leave her, even if he has to travel far away from home. He wants her to believe in him, and promises that he will not deceive her, pretending to be someone that he is not.
The second stanza emphasizes the strength of the partnership, stating that they will not suffer, nor will they be separated. He swears to her that he will keep his promises, and that they will love each other forever. The final stanza speaks to the intensity of the love that the two lovers share, suggesting that they are meant to be together. The singer is committed to his partner, and will never betray her. He wants her to trust that he will always be there for her, through good times and bad.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sama Rew" express a deep, abiding love between two people who are bound together forever. The song is a celebration of the strength and resilience of true love, and a testament to the power of commitment and trust.
Line by Line Meaning
Anang nuan irau
I don't hate you
Anang nuan nangi
I don't love you
Aku aku tu sulu
I am from Sulu
Aku ke pagan nuan sampai ke ila
I have been to Pagan and Ila
Uji nuan pecaya kejako aku
Do you believe what I say?
Ukai nyak bula bula
I'm not lying
Ukai semina bepura-pura
I'm not pretending
Anang nuan tusah
I don't suffer because of you
Anang nuan beraie
I don't care about you
Aku aku besumpah enda mungkir janji
I swear not to break my promise
Nadai urang bukai kelimpah ari nuan siku
No one is richer than you in this world
Semina nuan aku sayau didunya tu
You are the one I love in this world
Nuan lebih nemu pengeran ati tua sulu
You have found the prince of your heart in Sulu
Sama keran sama sayau sama rindu
Together, we love and miss each other
Aku ambis ati
I desire your heart
Enda ngayah ke nuan
I won't deceive you
Ukai bejaku bula
I'm not speaking empty words
Ukai semina bepangan aja
I'm not just saying anything
Contributed by Colton E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.