Cesária É… Read Full Bio ↴This is a wrong tag for Cesária Évora. Please correct!
Cesária Évora (pronunciation in IPA: [sɨ'zaɾiɐ 'ɛvuɾɐ]) (born Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cape Verde, 27 August 1941), is a Cape Verdean popular singer. Nicknamed the “barefoot diva” for her preference for performing without shoes,[1] Évora is perhaps the best internationally-known practitioner of morna.
Dicography
* La Diva Aux Pieds Nus (1988)
* Distino di Belita (1990)
* Mar Azul (1991)
* Miss Perfumado (1992)
* Cesária (1995)
* Cabo Verde (1997)
* Café Atlantico (1999)
* São Vicente di Longe (2001)
* Voz d'Amor (2003)
* Rogamar (2006)
Angola
Cesaria Evora Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Parodia dia e note manché
Sem maca ma cu sabura
Angola angola
Oi qu'povo sabe
Ami nhos ca ta matá-me
'M bem cu hora pa'me ba nha caminho
Ess convivência dess nhôs vivência
Resistência dum estravagância
The lyrics of Cesária Évora's "Angola" are an ode to the resilience and strength of the Angolan people despite their struggles. The opening line "Ess vida sabe qu'nhôs ta vivê" (this life knows how we live) suggests that life is tough for the Angolans, but they have learned how to survive and thrive despite the challenges. The chorus repeats the word "Angola" as a recurring motif, perhaps indicating the deep connection the singer feels to her homeland.
The second verse "Oi qu'povo sabe" (oh, how the people know) highlights the singer's admiration for the Angolan people's collective spirit and unity. She acknowledges that they won't betray her or kill her, perhaps a testament to the trust and solidarity that is necessary in a society where basic safety and security may not be guaranteed.
The final verse "Ess convivência dess nhôs vivência, paciência dum consequência, resistência dum estravagância" (the coexistence of our lives, patience as a consequence, resistance as a extravagance) suggests that despite the difficulties, the Angolan people persevere and continue to live their lives with dignity, patience and strength. The use of contrasting words such as "resistance" and "extravagance" highlights the complexity and nuance of the Angolan experience, where the struggle against oppression and injustice is interwoven with colorful and vibrant cultural expressions.
Line by Line Meaning
Ess vida sabe qu'nhôs ta vivê
This life knows how we live
Parodia dia e note manché
Jokes during the day and tears at night
Sem maca ma cu sabura
Without a knife, but with wisdom
Angola, Angola
Angola, Angola
Oi qu'povo sabe
Oh, how the people know
Ami nhos ca ta matá-me
I won't let you kill me
'M bem cu hora pa'me ba nha caminho
But it's time for me to go my way
Ess convivência dess nhôs vivência
This coexistence is your way of life
Paciência dum consequência
Patience is a consequence
Resistência dum estravagância
Resistance is an extravagance
Contributed by Max K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.