Na nde
Charlotte Dipanda Lyrics
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Wa nyé na na nongi no ka sangoa mi hé wa ndé
ô mala o ma dia mbia mongo ngéa wa ndé
Na′a té na america wonè na ndé na ndé
Na ndé na ndé wé no hé
Na ndé na ndé wé no oooooooh
Na weni wé no wala songo wonè
Na weni we no wala songo wonè
Ng′o mombwa mba
Wa nyé na nu wondi mba na biso besè la bèèèè
Ka mbia di si kusi no tobunya wa ndé
Na wasi nga miso mam o miba longue lamié
Na té na america wonè na ndé ndé
Na ndé na ndé wéno
Na ndé na ndé weno
ô mala o ma dia mba ngéa
Na weni wé no wala songo wonè
Ng'o mongèlè mba
Na weni we no wala songo wonè
Ng'o mombwa mba
The song "Na nde" by Charlotte Dipanda is a beautiful expression of nostalgia, as well as a call for African unity and solidarity. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, stresses the importance of staying true to one's roots, no matter where life takes you. The first verse adopts the same theme, as the singer talks about reminiscing about home and the memories associated with it. The second verse, on the other hand, seems to take a more political stance, with Dipanda stressing the need for Africans to stand together and fight for their common interests, no matter where they live.
The song is primarily in the Cameroonian language of Douala, with a few words and expressions in French and English. The use of Douala reinforces the song's message of staying true to one's roots and identity.
Interestingly, "Na nde" was actually re-recorded and released as a remix in 2019, featuring collaborations with some of the biggest names in African music, including Angélique Kidjo, Yemi Alade and Burna Boy. This shows the song's enduring appeal and relevance.
Line by Line Meaning
Wa nyé na nu wondi mba na bisso bésè la bè
I am calling upon you with all my heart, hear my cry
Wa nyé na na nongi no ka sangoa mi hé wa ndé
I am calling and seeking your guidance to show me the way
ô mala o ma dia mbia mongo ngéa wa ndé
Oh Lord, help me to overcome the struggles I face
Na′a té na america wonè na ndé na ndé
I have been to America, but still, here I am
Na ndé na ndé wé no hé
Here I am, in this same place
Na ndé na ndé wé no oooooooh
Here I am, still in the same spot
Na weni wé no wala songo wonè
Guide me on the right path
Ng'o mongèlè mba
So I may not stumble
Na weni we no wala songo wonè
Guide me on the right path
Ng′o mombwa mba
So I may not fall
Ka mbia di si kusi no tobunya wa ndé
Give me strength to endure the hardships of life
Na wasi nga miso mam o miba longue lamié
Enlighten my eyes and guide me towards the right direction
Na té na america wonè na ndé ndé
I have been to America, but still, here I am
Na ndé na ndé wéno
Here I am, in this same place
Na ndé na ndé weno
Here I am, still in the same spot
ô mala o ma dia mba ngéa
Oh Lord, help me overcome my struggles
Writer(s): Charlotte Dipanda
Contributed by Josiah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.