Adinkras
Aláfia Lyrics


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Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Eu oro, choro, paro
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Abstratos e retratos no tato e no faro
E corremos os riscos do desamparo
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Entre nós e nozes de cola, laços
Entre grãos, abraços, nossas mãos
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Tudo que se passa nesta estrada é passo
Crocodilos dum só traço não se traçam
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

KuntunKantan, Funtunfunefu, Sankofa
Akoma, Akofena, Akoben, Omnim




Obi nKa Bi, Aya, Duafe
Bese saka, Dono, Dame dame, Ma te

Overall Meaning

In the song "Adinkras," Alafia sings about the marking of Adinkras on her skin. Adinkras are visual symbols that represent concepts and are used in textile printing in Ghana. The repeated lines "Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros" translate to "She scratches Adinkras through my pores" in English. This line suggests a deep connection between the markings on her skin and her inner soul. The lyrics also describe the emotions that come with being marked with Adinkras, such as praying, crying, and stopping, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.


Alafia goes on to describe the abstract and concrete connections she has to the world through the marking of Adinkras on her skin. The lines, "Abstratos e retratos no tato e no faro, E corremos os riscos do desamparo," which mean "Abstract and portraits in touch and smell, And we run the risks of abandonment," demonstrate the importance of these symbols in Alafia's life. The repeated line "Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros" stresses the significance of this moment and Alafia's emotional state.


The song also references numerous Adinkra symbols throughout, including KuntunKantan, Funtunfunefu, Sankofa, Akoma, Akofena, Akoben, Omnim, Obi nKa Bi, Aya, Duafe, Bese saka, Dono, Dame dame, and Ma te. These symbols represent values such as unity, strength, courage, wisdom, and life, among others. They further emphasize the importance of the Adinkra markings in Alafia's life and the cultural significance of these symbols in Ghanaian history.


Line by Line Meaning

Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
The singer is describing how someone is etching Adinkras (Ghanaian symbols) onto their skin, possibly using a tattooing technique.


Eu oro, choro, paro
The singer is indicating that they go through a variety of emotions while the Adinkras are being etched onto their skin.


Abstratos e retratos no tato e no faro
The Adinkras being etched onto the singer's skin are abstract and pictorial to the touch and smell.


E corremos os riscos do desamparo
The artist and the person who is etching the Adinkras are both vulnerable and taking a risk.


Entre nós e nozes de cola, laços
There are bonds and connections between the artist and the person etching the Adinkras, like the cola nuts used in traditional Ghanaian rituals to signify unity.


Entre grãos, abraços, nossas mãos
The singer and the person etching the Adinkras are holding hands and hugging like grains in a field.


Tudo que se passa nesta estrada é passo
The singer is acknowledging the journey they are on and the steps they are taking.


Crocodilos dum só traço não se traçam
This line means not to rush the process of etching the Adinkras onto the skin, as it should be done with care.


KuntunKantan, Funtunfunefu, Sankofa
These are the names of Adinkra symbols used in Ghanaian culture. The artist is referencing them to show the importance and significance of Adinkras in their culture.


Akoma, Akofena, Akoben, Omnim
These are more names of Adinkra symbols.


Obi nKa Bi, Aya, Duafe
Yet more Adinkra symbols that are mentioned in this line.


Bese saka, Dono, Dame dame, Ma te
The final line mentions even more Adinkra symbols.




Writer(s): BRECHO EDUARDO, MATHEUS VON KRUGER

Contributed by Layla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@josecardosoneto1154

maravilhosos

@ronicuba6080

pesado

@rickunhas5218

amoooo essa música meu Deus

@rickunhas5218

ouvir Chapadão é maravilhosooo

@mauricioronald7068

Gosto demais desse som!

@gyasikweisi

Aláfia - Adinkras

Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Eu oro, choro, paro
Pássaros e corações flutuam no meu corpo
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Abstratos e retratos no tato e no faro
E corremos os riscos do desamparo
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Entre nós e nozes de cola, laços
Entre grãos, abraços, nossas mãos
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros
Tudo que se passa nesta estrada é passo
Crocodilos de um só traço não se traçam
Ela risca adinkras pelos meus poros

KuntunKantan, Funtunfunefu, Sankofa
Akoma, Akofena, Akoben, Omnim
Obi Nka Bi, Aya, Duafe
Bese Saka, Dono, Dame Dame, Mate

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