He began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began writing songs that reflected a new focus on political awareness and social activism, along with fellow singer Caetano Veloso. In the 1970s, Gil added new elements of African and North American music to his already broad palette, and continued to release a steady stream of albums, including Realce and Refazenda. João Gilberto recorded Gil's "Eu Vim da Bahia" ("I Came from Bahia") on his classic João Gilberto LP.
In 1969, Gil and Veloso, whose status in Brazil was, and is, equivalent to that of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the English-speaking world, were arrested by the military government of Brazil for anti-government activities. Upon their release, the pair both moved to London. Gil began playing with groups like Yes, Pink Floyd and The Incredible String Band, while continuing his solo career. In the 1970s, he toured the US and recorded an English-language album. He worked with Jimmy Cliff and released in 1980 a cover of "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley & the Wailers) that was a massive hit and introduced reggae to Brazil.
Gil continued recording, performing and involving himself in various social causes, and was eventually elected a city councillor in his home town Salvador in 1989. His 1993 album with Caetano Veloso, Tropicália 2, featured a cover of a Jimi Hendrix song, "Wait Until Tomorrow", and is regarded as one of his finest efforts since the late 1960s.
When President Lula da Silva took office in January 2003, he chose Gil to serve as Brazil's new Minister of Culture, a post he held until 2008. While minister, Gil released his songs "Refazenda", "Rebento" and "Refavela" under the Creative Commons Sampling License.
In May 2005 Gil was awarded the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the first Latin American recipient of the annual award, which was given to him by the King of Sweden. Gil also performed four songs in an outdoors concert the day before the award show and again at the show with only two songs, accompanied by Jimmy Cliff.
In September 2005 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur from the French Government. This coincided with the Année du Brésil en France (Brazil's Year in France).
His daughter Preta Gil is also a musician.
Axé Babá
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dá-nos a luz do teu dia
De noite a estrela-guia
Da tua paz
Dentro de nós
Meu pai Oxalá
Dá-nos a felicidade
O pão da vitalidade
Do teu amor
Do teu axé
Do teu amor
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
Axé, babá
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
Axé, babá
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
Axé, babá
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song, Axé Babá, are a prayer to Oxalá, the father of the Orixás (African gods worshipped in Brazil through Candomblé religion), asking for his blessings and guidance in life. The first verse of the song says "My father Oxalá, give us the light of your day, at night the guiding star of your peace. Within us, my father Oxalá, give us happiness, the bread of vitality of your Axé, of your love." In Candomblé, Axé represents the energy and power of the Orixás, the force that animates the world and gives life to everything. The prayer is therefore a request for these elements to be bestowed upon the listener by Oxalá.
The repetition of "Axé, Babá" throughout the song serves as a mantra, a repetition of a sacred word or phrase used for meditation, which enhances the spiritual nature of the lyrics. The song's title, Axé Babá, translates to "the energy of the divine father" in Candomblé. The song, therefore, represents a merging of Candomblé religion, African cultural practices, and Brazilian music.
Line by Line Meaning
Meu pai Oxalá
Oh, great and powerful father Oxalá, who is the supreme God in the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé.
Dá-nos a luz do teu dia
Please bless us with the light of your presence, bringing clarity and positivity to our lives.
De noite a estrela-guia
During the dark and uncertain times, guide us like a star and show us the right path to follow.
Da tua paz
In your peace, we find the strength to face any challenge and overcome any obstacle.
Dentro de nós
May your presence reside inside us so that we may always feel connected to your divine energy.
Dá-nos a felicidade
Bring us true happiness and joy so that we may live our lives with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
O pão da vitalidade
Nourish us with the sustenance and energy to thrive and flourish in every aspect of our lives.
Do teu axé
Through your powerful, positive energy (axé), we can achieve greatness and prosperity.
Do teu amor
Your love is unconditional and limitless, and it is the source of our strength and inspiration.
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
These are celebratory and rhythmic sounds that signify the joy and excitement of the song.
Axé, babá
The chorus of the song, repeating the phrase 'Axé babá' which means 'powerful energy, father' in Portuguese and is often used as a spiritual greeting in Candomblé.
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
The celebratory and rhythmic sounds expressed again in the second chorus of the song.
Axé, babá
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the importance of the song's message and the spiritual beliefs it represents.
Ô ô ô ô ô ô ô
The song's joyful and rhythmic refrain once again, adding to the overall celebratory nature of the music.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GILBERTO GIL MOREIRA, GILBERTO PASSOS GIL MOREIRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind