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
The Path
Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the women with their worries
I sing for the old and tired
Give the youth some hope and direction
I sing for the downtrodden
The beaten man in the gutter
I sing for the powerful
That they may be humble and learn to be kind
Face the truth and stand for justice
Too many days of pain and sorrow
Now is the time to make your move
O ye k'o gb'ona atunda yen/2ce (Take that path
of rebirth)
O ye k'o m'ona yi o (You should know that path)
I sing for the high and low
Of the ups and downs of life
Make the journey easier
For my brothers and sisters trapped in the
struggle
I sing of ancient wisdom
To remind you in simple words
If your neighbor is not happy
There is no way you can be at peace
Sow your life, your talent and energy
Plant a tree today my sister
Provide shade for future wayfarers
Make this land better than we met it
Don't you worry about me
I'm just a flash of light passing through
Find the strength to make the change
And strive to be happy, strive to be free
There's no reason to wallow in sadness
Stand up strong and raise your head
For the day of reckoning cometh
When we'll be marching to the sound of freedom
Change will come to the one who is ready
Face the truth and stand for justice
Too many days of pain and sorrow
Now is the time to make your move
"The Path" by Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band talks about several issues that are pertinent to life. The song is divided into different stanzas, each with a focus on certain people in society or a particular message. One of the themes of the song expresses the singer's concerns for different people in society, ranging from the downtrodden, to the privileged, and different age groups. The chorus enjoins people to take the right path to rebirth, truth, and justice. The song encourages people to stand for what is right and to strive for change.
Another aspect of the song is the call to act for the betterment of society. The singer encourages people to sow their energy, talents and resources to help their neighbors and make the world a better place. The song implies that this can be achieved by planting trees, which create shade and comfort for future generations. The song's speaker acknowledges that life is filled with ups and downs, but urges people to keep pressing on towards their goals, be happy, and strive towards freedom. The progression of the song delivers the message that with the right attitude, change is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
I sing for the little ones
I sing to give hope to children
For the women with their worries
I sing to support women in their struggles
I sing for the old and tired
I sing to inspire the elderly
Give the youth some hope and direction
I sing to guide the younger generation
I sing for the downtrodden
I sing to empower the oppressed
The beaten man in the gutter
I sing for those who have suffered greatly
I sing for the powerful
I sing to remind the strong to be kind and humble
That they may be humble and learn to be kind
I hope that the powerful will be humble and compassionate
Change will come to the one who is ready
Change comes to those who are prepared
Face the truth and stand for justice
Be honest and advocate for what's right
Too many days of pain and sorrow
There has been too much suffering
Now is the time to make your move
It's time to take action
O ye k'o gb'ona atunda yen/2ce (Take that path of rebirth)
Choose the path of self-improvement
O ye k'o m'ona yi o (You should know that path)
You should understand that path
I sing for the high and low
I sing for all people regardless of their status
Of the ups and downs of life
Life has its peaks and valleys
Make the journey easier
I want to make life easier for others on their journey
For my brothers and sisters trapped in the struggle
I want to support those who are struggling
I sing of ancient wisdom
I share the wisdom of the past
To remind you in simple words
I want to remind you with plain language
If your neighbor is not happy
If your neighbor is unhappy
There is no way you can be at peace
You cannot be at peace if your neighbor isn't
Sow your life, your talent and energy
Invest your life, skills, and effort
Plant a tree today my sister
Do something good for the future
Provide shade for future wayfarers
Make life better for future generations
Make this land better than we met it
Leave the world a better place than we found it
Don't you worry about me
Don't worry about my well-being
I'm just a flash of light passing through
I'm just passing through this world temporarily
Find the strength to make the change
Get the courage to make a change
And strive to be happy, strive to be free
Aim to be happy and free
There's no reason to wallow in sadness
Don't let sadness take over
Stand up strong and raise your head
Be confident and stand tall
For the day of reckoning cometh
The day of judgement is coming
When we'll be marching to the sound of freedom
When we will be free and celebrating our freedom
Change will come to the one who is ready
Those who are ready will experience change
Face the truth and stand for justice
Be truthful and defend justice
Too many days of pain and sorrow
There has been too much suffering
Now is the time to make your move
This is the time to act
Contributed by Lucas H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dilkarrishta
But really, why hasn't CNN African Voices" visited this Guy or listened to his music? This is Raw Talent that showcases African Culture and Vibes; the passion, the sheer wisdom in Uncle Segun's lyrics are second to None in this part of the World!!!!
@African Voice-Please visit this Guy and lets have his talent showcased more to the World; He is simply out of this World!!!!!
@houseonthehill1612
Great man, prophet, musician🎉🎉🎉