Upa neguinho
Edu Lobo Lyrics

The song Upa Neguinho by Edú Lobo is a beautifully composed piece that speaks to the resilience of the Black community in Brazil. The song starts with the words "Upa, neguinho na estrada," which can be translated to "Up, little Black one on the road." The lyrics then go on to describe the admiration and beauty of seeing a young Black child learning to walk, while also acknowledging the struggles that come with growing up Black in a society that is not always kind to them. The song suggests that even though the journey may be difficult, growth is possible and it is important to support and learn from each other.

As the song continues, we hear the singer telling the child to "Cresce, neguinho, me abraça," which means "Grow, little Black one, embrace me." This line can be seen as a call to embrace one's Blackness and all that comes with it, including the strength and beauty of the Black experience. The singer then describes their own experience of coming from "tanta desgraça," or "so much misery," but still being able to teach and learn from others. The song ends with the powerful statement, "Capoeira - posso ensinar, Ziquizira - posso tirar, Valentia - posso emprestar," which means "Capoeira - I can teach, Ziquizira - I can take away, Bravery - I can lend." These lines demonstrate the singer's desire to empower and uplift their community through their own experiences and knowledge.

Overall, Upa Neguinho is a beautiful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the Black community in Brazil. It promotes the importance of growth, learning, and embracing one's identity in the face of adversity.