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
Ranita
Alpha Blondy Lyrics
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heyyyyy
Houlalalalala
Sankara... Thomas Sankara... capitaine Sankara... ce sont tes bolorobo qui t'ont gars...
Mon Dieu... Sankara... Thomas Sankara... capitaine Sankara... ce sont tes bolorobo qui t'ont gars...
Un coup d'état entraine toujours d'autres coups d'état... et les frères d'armes tôt ou tard deviennent ennemis... et ça je vous l'avez déjà dis.
Le pouvoir se prend par les urnes... et non par les armes (et non par les armes).
Sankara, Thomas Sankara, capitaine Sankara, ce sont tes bolorobo qui t'ont gars... gars...
Mon dieu, une trahison entraine toujours une trahison, il n'y a pas de saison, et là j'ai raison...
Le pouvoir se prend par les urnes (et ça je vous l'avais déjà dis), et non par les armes (et non par les armes... le linge sale se lave en famille, mais pas dans le sang)
hey, oulalalalala
De vengeances en vengeances l'Afrique est tombée dans la déchéance... vouloir venger Sankara c'est perpétuer la bêtise... la bêtise politique... antidémocratique, soif de pouvoir... c'est la boulimie du pouvoir... c'est la gourmandise du pouvoir.
(le linge sale se lave en famille, mais pas dans le sang (bis))
Sankara, Thomas Sankara (bis)
Houlalalalala
Sankara.
The song "Ranita" by Alpha Blondy pays tribute to Thomas Sankara, a revolutionary figure in Burkinabe and African history. The lyrics reflect on the tragic end of Sankara's life, who was a captain in the army of Upper Volta (later Burkina Faso) before rising to power as the president of the country in 1983 through a coup d'état. Sankara was known for his radical leftist policies and his commitment to social justice, pan-Africanism, and anti-imperialism. However, his vision clashed with the interests of the elites within his country, who saw him as a threat to their power and influence. Consequently, Sankara was assassinated in 1987 in a coup orchestrated by his former friend and ally Blaise Compaoré.
The lyrics of "Ranita" mourn the loss of Sankara and denounce the betrayal of his ideals and legacy. The words "ce sont tes bolorobo qui t'ont gars" (it's your own people who killed you) refer to the idea that Sankara was betrayed by members of his own inner circle who collaborated with his enemies. The song also critiques the cycle of violence and political instability that followed Sankara's death and the misguided attempts to avenge his murder. Alpha Blondy emphasizes the importance of peaceful and democratic means to pursue political change and rejects the notion that violence or bloodshed can solve the problems of Africa.
Overall, "Ranita" is a poignant and politically charged song that reflects on the complex history and challenges of African nations in the postcolonial era. It celebrates the vision and courage of Thomas Sankara while warning against the dangers of authoritarianism, corruption, and violence that continue to plague the continent.
Line by Line Meaning
Sankara...
Addressing Thomas Sankara, the former captain and revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso who was killed by his colleagues.
ce sont tes bolorobo qui t'ont gars...
Blaming Sankara's trusted allies for his assassination.
Un coup d'état entraine toujours d'autres coups d'état...
Explaining the destabilizing effect of coups and how they can lead to more coups.
et les frères d'armes tôt ou tard deviennent ennemis...
Highlighting how people who fought on the same side can turn on each other.
et ça je vous l'avez déjà dis.
Asserting that this is not a new revelation.
Le pouvoir se prend par les urnes...
Advocating for democracy and peaceful transfers of power.
et non par les armes (et non par les armes).
Emphasizing that power should not be taken by force.
Mon dieu, une trahison entraine toujours une trahison...
Reflecting on the cyclical nature of betrayal and revenge.
il n'y a pas de saison, et là j'ai raison...
Arguing that revenge is never justified.
hey, oulalalalala
Vocalization of emotion.
De vengeances en vengeances l'Afrique est tombée dans la déchéance...
Commenting on the consequences of seeking vengeance, which has led to Africa's downfall.
vouloir venger Sankara c'est perpétuer la bêtise...
Arguing that seeking revenge for Sankara's death is foolish.
la bêtise politique... antidémocratique, soif de pouvoir...
Describing the negative qualities that lead to political foolishness and abuse of power.
c'est la boulimie du pouvoir... c'est la gourmandise du pouvoir.
Describing how thirst for power has led to abuses of power.
Contributed by Dominic K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
maurizio brando
grandi siete favolosi,la vostra musica è melodia......grandiiiii
Jessica Barberan
I do not find the lyrics for this song and I love it only by his rithim!! Love you Alpha Blondy!
greet verwoert
He sings about his great love Ranita, whom he met in a psychiatric hospital. His parents boycotted this.
Adama Fofana
He celebrate Ranita in this song. He love Ranita
vaibhav suryawanshi
It was playing in a bar in goa, n I am n love with. It....
OUMAR KAMAGATE
The best singer in Africa
saidou adama sy
I love alpha blondy
SPIDER ROCK
#I Love #AlphaBlondy💯👍😎
Juan Isassi
Es hora de encender las polares 💚💛❤️
Virginie brn
I LOVE