Naima
Angelique Kidjo with Carlos Santana Lyrics
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Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma Toutou ou gbovi
Toutou ou gbovvi
Papa mou la homin o
Maman mou la homin o
Ao Naïma vi yin
Min kè poo, Fèmi vi yé a
Gblon in nam
Nin ma po é na wo
Ao viyin oun gba fan vio
Ao Naïma vi yin
Bonou, bonou kpo Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma Toutou ou gbovi
Toutou ou gbovvi
Papa mou la homin o
Maman mou la homin o
Ao Naïma vi yin
Bonou, bonou kpo
Min kè poo, Fèmi vi yé a
Gblon in nam
Nin ma po é na wo
Ao viyin oun gba fan vio
Ao Naïma vi yin
Bonou, bonou kpo Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Naïma, Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Dear Angelique Kidjo,
The lyrics to Carlos Santana's song "Naima" are in a West African language, likely either Bété or Fon. The song opens with the words "Naïma, Naïma," which are repeated throughout the song. "Houn gba fan vi o Naïma" is also repeated frequently, and roughly translates to "I am calling out your name, Naïma."
The song seems to be an ode to a woman named Naïma, who is referred to as "toutou ou gbovi," which means "beautiful girl" or "young lady." The lines "papa mou la homin o/Maman mou la homin o" suggest that Naïma's parents are still living, and perhaps the singer is courting Naïma and seeking their permission to pursue her.
Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to a woman named Naïma, and the full meaning of the lyrics may be better understood by those who speak the language in which they are written.
Line by Line Meaning
Naïma, Naïma
Repeatedly calling out to Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Asking Naïma to listen (to the song or to the singer)
Toutou ou gbovi
The sound of drums and percussion instruments
Papa mou la homin o
Father has gone to work
Maman mou la homin o
Mother has gone to work
Ao Naïma vi yin
Asking Naïma to come and join in the music-making
Bonou, bonou kpo
Invitation to dance and have a good time
Min kè poo, Fèmi vi yé a
Good friends and family members are present and having a good time
Gblon in nam
Sweet aroma of food being cooked
Nin ma po é na wo
Let's all come together and enjoy
Ao viyin oun gba fan vio
Asking everyone to listen to the music
Naïma, Naïma
Repeatedly calling out to Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Asking Naïma to listen (to the song or to the singer)
Toutou ou gbovi
The sound of drums and percussion instruments
Papa mou la homin o
Father has gone to work
Maman mou la homin o
Mother has gone to work
Ao Naïma vi yin
Asking Naïma to come and join in the music-making
Bonou, bonou kpo
Invitation to dance and have a good time
Min kè poo, Fèmi vi yé a
Good friends and family members are present and having a good time
Gblon in nam
Sweet aroma of food being cooked
Nin ma po é na wo
Let's all come together and enjoy
Ao viyin oun gba fan vio
Asking everyone to listen to the music
Naïma, Naïma
Repeatedly calling out to Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Asking Naïma to listen (to the song or to the singer)
Naïma, Naïma
Repeatedly calling out to Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Asking Naïma to listen (to the song or to the singer)
Naïma, Naïma
Repeatedly calling out to Naïma
Houn gba fan vi o Naïma
Asking Naïma to listen (to the song or to the singer)
Contributed by Matthew W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shishilala
Beautiful! So relaxing & soothing. I first heard this on the Putumayo Dreamland album. Love it - thank you
@olaoluolajugbe5811
Beautiful song
@albertovillavicencio3829
Bella canción con la que solíamos arrullar a Fernanda, hermosa voz de Angélique Kidjo y bella la guitarra de Carlos Santana
@Julius_Strife
Amazing
@lowrain-9569
It appears somebody has hacked this. Judge Judy?? Really stupid. It's a beautiful song.