Alpha Blondy (born Seydou Koné on January 1, 1953 in Dimbokoro, Côte d'Ivoi… Read Full Bio ↴Alpha Blondy (born Seydou Koné on January 1, 1953 in Dimbokoro, Côte d'Ivoire) is a reggae singer. He is a major star in West Africa. He has played with The Wailers. He studied English at Hunter College in New York, and later in the Columbia University American Language Program.

Alpha Blondy sings mainly in his native language of Dioula, in French and English, and sometimes in Arabic or Hebrew. His lyrics convey strong political attitudes and a sense of humor. He coined the French word "democrature" (an English equivalent might be "democratatorship") to identify some African governments.

http://www.alphablondy.info

Apartheid Is Nazism
Alpha Blondy Lyrics

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America, America, America
Break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
Break the neck of this apartheid

This apartheid system is nazism, nazism, nazi
This apartheid system is nazism, nazi, them a nazi
This apartheid system is nazism, nazi, them a nazi

1939-1945
Nazi war in Europe
Today 1985
Declare our own rights in South Africa

America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
You've got to break the neck of this apartheid

America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid

1939-1945
Nazi war in Europe
Today 1985
Declare our own rights in South Africa

America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
You've got to break the neck of this apartheid

America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
You've got to break the neck of this apartheid

You don't have the right to shoot the children
You don't have the right to shoot the children, I say
'Cause black and white we are all the same
'Cause black and white we are all the same, I say

America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
You've got to break the neck of this apartheid

America, America, America
(you don't have the right to shoot the children)
Break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
(you don't have the right to shoot the children, I say)
Break the neck of this apartheid

America, America, America
(white power, hatred)
Break the neck of this apartheid
America, America, America
(we've got the white power, hatred, I say)
Break the neck of this apartheid

America, America, America
I say break the neck of this apartheid

America, America, America
You've got to break the neck of this apartheid

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alpha Blondy's song Apartheid Is Nazism are a call to action to break the system of apartheid in South Africa. The repetition of "America, America, America" highlights the importance of the United States in the fight against apartheid, as the country had significant economic sway over South Africa. The use of the phrase "break the neck of this apartheid" suggests a violent overthrow of the oppressive system.

The lyrics also draw a parallel between the apartheid system and Nazism, using the line "This apartheid system is nazism" multiple times. The reference to the Nazi war in Europe serves to emphasize the severity of the situation and the need for swift action. The plea for the protection of children, highlighting that "black and white we are all the same," reinforces the message of unity against the apartheid system.

This song was released in 1985, during the height of the anti-apartheid movement. Alpha Blondy, a reggae musician from the Ivory Coast, was known for his activist stance and his music often touched on political and social issues. The song Apartheid Is Nazism became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, particularly in Africa and Europe.

Line by Line Meaning

America, America, America
Alpha Blondy is addressing America, likely as a country that holds power and influence, and is calling upon them to take action.

Break the neck of this apartheid
Alpha Blondy is expressing a strong desire to see an end to the oppressive apartheid system, which he equates with Nazism.

This apartheid system is nazism, nazism, nazi
Alpha Blondy emphasizes that apartheid is not just related to Nazism, but is a manifestation of it.

This apartheid system is nazism, nazi, them a nazi
Alpha Blondy repeats the previous line, stressing the point that apartheid is essentially Nazism.

1939-1945 Nazi war in Europe Today 1985 Declare our own rights in South Africa
Alpha Blondy draws a comparison between the Nazi war in Europe during World War II and the struggle for rights in South Africa in 1985.

You don't have the right to shoot the children
Alpha Blondy condemns the violence and brutality of the apartheid regime, particularly in its treatment of innocent children.

Cause black and white we are all the same
Alpha Blondy underscores the fact that race should not be a factor when it comes to basic human rights, and that everyone deserves to be treated equally regardless of skin color.

(white power, hatred) Break the neck of this apartheid
Alpha Blondy challenges the idea of white power and hatred that fuels the apartheid system, and reiterates his call for it to be ended.

(we've got the white power, hatred, I say) Break the neck of this apartheid
Alpha Blondy repeats the previous line, emphasizing the need for action and change to dismantle apartheid and the white power and hatred it embodies.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALPHA BLONDY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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