Asian Dub Foundation is an alternative electronica band from London, Engla… Read Full Bio ↴Asian Dub Foundation is an alternative electronica band from London, England. Formed in 1993, their style blends breakbeat, dub, dancehall, hip-hop and reggae with distinct Asian influences.

Band members include John Pandit (aka Pandit G) (turntables), Deeder Zaman (aka Master D) (vocals) and Aniruddha Das (aka Dr Das) (bass), later joined by Steve Chandra Savale (aka Chandrasonic) (guitar and adf mastermind), Sanjay Tailor (aka Sun-J) (midi, soundeffects), and Bubble-E (dancer).

Master D left the band in 2000, shortly after that the band was joined by new members:
Pritphal Rajput (aka Cyber) (dhol, tabla), Rocky Singh (drums), MC Spex (vocals), MC Lord Kimo and Akhtar Ahmed (aka Aktarv8r) (vocals), the latter recruited from the band's ongoing education project ADFED.

In 2005 with the release of 'Tank' the band was joined by Ghetto Priest. In August 2007 Asian Dub Foundation started playing with two new vocalists, Al Rumjen (previously with King Prawn) and Aktarv8r returned after MC Spex was asked to leave the band. In November and December 2007 Asian Dub Foundation recorded a new album, Punkara, that was released in spring 2008. The current line-up of the band consists of Chandrasonic, Sun-J, Al Rumjen, Cyber, Aktarv8r, Pandit G and bassist Martin Savale (C-Sonic's brother).

They describe their sound as a mix of "...hard ragga-jungle rhythms, indo-dub basslines, searing sitar- inspired guitars and 'traditional' sounds gleaned from their parents' record collections, shot through with fast-chat conscious lyrics."

Most of their lyrics are politically oriented.

Sites: YouTube.

Basta
Asian Dub Foundation Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Basta, Basta, Basta
We can't hear ourselves!
Snapping at the heels of the Great Eight
All the massive pushing at the front gate

Overall Meaning

The song "Basta" by Asian Dub Foundation is a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle against the Great Eight, a term that refers to the eight most powerful economies in the world. The lyrics speak to the frustration felt by those who are fighting against this global power structure, with lines like "We can't hear ourselves!" conveying the sense that these voices are not being heard or taken seriously. The repeated use of the word "Basta," which means "enough" in Italian, underscores the urgent need for action and change.

The second line of the song, "Snapping at the heels of the Great Eight," suggests a sense of determination and defiance among those who are pushing against the existing power structure. The reference to "all the massive pushing at the front gate" reinforces this idea, making it clear that this is a fight that will not be easily won. Overall, the lyrics of "Basta" are a powerful call to action, imploring listeners to stand up and fight against the forces of oppression that threaten their very existence.

Line by Line Meaning

Basta, Basta, Basta
Stop, stop, stop

We can't hear ourselves!
Our voices are being drowned out and silenced

Snapping at the heels of the Great Eight
Trying to catch up with and challenge the powerful elite

All the massive pushing at the front gate
Many people are attempting to force their way in or gain access to something valuable

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANIRUDDHA DAS, JOHN PANDIT, LOVELEEN SINGH AULAKH, SANJAY TAILOR, STEVEN SAVALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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