Segun Akinlolu was born in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1968 and started writing poems and songs at an early age. He graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1992 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and worked as a Vet Doctor in Nigeria for about 8 years before becoming a full-time artist. He also has a post-graduate diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. His songs, written in Yoruba and English, are built on rich folkloric traditions and native wisdom but the message is universal in thrust and theme. The music speaks for the voiceless and champions the dream of a balanced society where individuals are truly free. It preaches love and tolerance but also urges people to stand and defend their rights when trampled upon.
Beautiful Nubia has shared his music with audiences across Nigeria, other parts of Africa, Europe and North America. The music has garnered excellent reviews in leading African/world music publications. It has been nominated for music awards and topped international/world charts on community, grassroots and campus radio stations around the world. The 2002 album Jangbalajugbu made him a household name in Nigeria has sold in excess of a million copies.
Discography
Keere (2014); Oriojori-Eternal Spirits (2012); Sun No Dey Sleep (2011); Irinajo (2009); Kilòkilò (2007); Fere (2006); Awilele (2004); Jangbalajugbu (2002); Voice From Heaven (1999); Seven Lifes (1997)
Website: www.beautifulnubia.com
Dreaming
Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When she comes to me, a daughter of the sea
In her eyes burn fire, smoke in her nostrils, yeah
And her belly button gushes out the fluid of life
What she says to me takes me by surprise
"Call the chosen ones, there's work to be done" (oh yeah)
Of what value is an African life to them
To feel my pain, you have to walk in my shoes
You′ll have to wear my skin and babble in my tongue
"People of the land, inheritors of pain
Let your vision rise and soar with the eagle"
Ẹ kéde ayo ní gbangba, ọjọ' ìdùnnú l'ọjọ′ òní o
Ẹni a rò pé kò le pà′gọ', ṣèb′óun mà ló kọ"lé aláruru
Ará ẹ gbìmọ' ká bo′rí àìní, k'óníkálukú múra sí′ṣẹ' rẹ'
Ẹní ti d′òkú ni ò ní′rètí, ìṣẹ'gun nbọ′ f'ẹ′nití ò rẹ'wẹ′sì
Said I'm dreaming (dreaming, dreaming) on another night
When she touches me, our mother of the waters
"I bring you laughter for the long days
And strength and faith to see you through the tunnel
When the morning comes, reach to the sun
On the road again, reach for tomorrow"
Ẹ kéde ayo ní gbangba, ọjọ' ìdùnnú l′ọjọ′ òní o
Ẹni a rò pé kò le pà'gọ′, ṣèb'óun mà ló kọ"lé aláruru
Ará ẹ gbìmọ′ ká bo'rí àìní, k′óníkálukú múra sí'ṣẹ' rẹ′
Ẹní ti d′òkú ni ò ní'rètí, ìṣẹ′gun nbọ' f′ẹ'nití ò rẹ′wẹ'sì
The song "Dreaming" by Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band is a reflection on the African experience, particularly from the perspective of the marginalized and the oppressed. The singer is dreaming of an encounter with a daughter of the sea who brings a message of hope and encouragement. She urges the "people of the land" to rise above the pain they have inherited and to let their vision soar like an eagle. The song speaks of the need for solidarity and unity among Africans in the face of the challenges they face.
The second part of the song continues with the theme of hope and resilience. The mother of the waters who appears in the singer's dream brings laughter, strength, and faith to see him through the tough times. She encourages him to reach for the sun when the morning comes and to keep moving forward on the road again towards tomorrow. The song is a reminder that even in the midst of hardship and suffering, there is still room for joy, hope, and optimism.
Line by Line Meaning
Said, I′m dreaming (dreaming, dreaming) on a breezy night
I am lost in deep thought and imagination on a calm and windy evening
When she comes to me, a daughter of the sea
In my mind's eye, I am visited by a woman who represents the spirit of the sea
In her eyes burn fire, smoke in her nostrils, yeah
She has an intense stare, and her breath is like that of a dragon
And her belly button gushes out the fluid of life
Her navel oozes out the essence of creation and vitality
What she says to me takes me by surprise
Her words come unexpectedly and catch me off-guard
"Call the chosen ones, there's work to be done" (oh yeah)
She instructs me to gather the worthy people, as there is important work to be accomplished
Of what value is an African life to them
The worth of African lives is questioned by oppressive forces
Are we just a headline of horror and shame?
Is our struggle just a sensational news story meant to shame and scare people?
To feel my pain, you have to walk in my shoes
To truly understand my suffering, you must experience life from my perspective
You′ll have to wear my skin and babble in my tongue
You must become me and speak my language to truly comprehend my struggles
"People of the land, inheritors of pain
We, the residents of this land, have been handed down the burden of suffering
Let your vision rise and soar with the eagle"
But we must aim for greater heights and let our spirits soar like eagles
When she touches me, our mother of the waters
In my reverie, the woman symbolizing the ocean reaches out and touches me
"I bring you laughter for the long days
She offers me mirth to help me through extended periods of difficulty
And strength and faith to see you through the tunnel
She provides me with the resilience and trust to persevere through challenging times
When the morning comes, reach to the sun
In the daylight, I should seek positivity and warmth
On the road again, reach for tomorrow"
As I travel through life, I should remain hopeful and strive towards a better future
Writer(s): Olusegun Akinlolu
Contributed by Aria W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@katehenry3197
What a great brand of music. A legend
@hammedakinkunmi9623
KING BEAUTIFUL NUBIA AND THE ROOT RENAISSANCE BAND WILL ALWAYS BE A LEGEND- HE SAW AN UTOPIAN FUTURE FOR AFRAKA AND AFRAKANS-HE HIS A MESSENGER FROM ŌLÓDÙMĀRÈ AND HIS MESSAGES ARE CLEAR AND UNAMBIGUOUS - HIS MESSAGES AND THAT OF HIS BANDMATES ARE EYE OPENER FOR THOSE WHOM THE MASTER OF CREATION HAS GUIDED- POSTERITY WILL HONOR AND GUARD HIS MESSAGES JEALOUSLY-HE HIS A LIVING LEGEND AND I BLESS HIM! 🤴🏿🎶🌴✊🏿💡❤️🕊
@sholasilver915
Nice one from my main man
@ONISHOLASEGUN
Good one sir
@dumbilliokoli4165
The guitarist killed the song with his costume and beards.
@mithjohnson351
How can I download the real mp3 of the song coming soon, please?
I hunger greatly for it.
@beautiful-nubia
Go to Apple Music, BoomPlay, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz, etc.