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.
Kaya N'Gan Daya
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wake up and turn loose
Wake up and turn loose
For the rain is falling
Got to have kaya now
Got to have kaya now
Got to have kaya now
For the rain is falling
Above The falling rain
I feel so good in my neighborhood
So here I come again
Got to have kaya now
Got to have kaya now
Got to have kaya now
For the rain is falling
Eu posso ver
O sol aparecer
Sobre a chuva que cai
Tão bom rever
A tribo, o fumacê
Do cachimbo da paz
(E muito mais)
Kaya já, na Gandaya
Kaya já, na Gandaya
Kaya já, nem que a chuva
Kaya
Na Gandaya, Kaya já
Na Gandaya, Kaya já
Kaya já , nem que a chuva
Kaya
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song Kaya n'Gan Daya evoke the need to wake up and let go, to embrace the present moment and enjoy life. The repetition of the phrase "wake up and turn loose" is a call to action, a way of saying we should let go of our worries and concerns and focus on enjoying life. The motif of rain is used throughout the song, serving as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges that we all face in life. These lines express the urgency of the message: "Got to have kaya now, For the rain is falling".
The song also celebrates a sense of community and belonging, expressed in the line "I feel so good in my neighborhood". There is a sense of connectedness and support that comes from being part of a community, no matter how big or small. The words "Eu posso ver" (I can see) suggest a sense of hope and possibility, as if the rain and the clouds are giving way to sunnier days. The reference to the "cachimbo da paz" (peace pipe) is a nod to the indigenous and Afro-Brazilian cultures that have influenced Brazilian music and culture.
Overall, Kaya n'Gan Daya is a celebration of life, a call to action to wake up and enjoy the present moment, and a recognition of the power of community to bring joy and peace to our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up and turn loose
It's time to awaken and release yourself from any negative energy or feelings holding you back.
For the rain is falling
A metaphorical representation of the hardships or challenges currently being faced. Imperative to take immediate action.
Got to have kaya now
Kaya is the solution to the challenges at hand. It represents finding peace and happiness within oneself, and is something that needs to be pursued now without hesitation.
I feel so high, I even touch the sky
Kaya brings a sense of euphoria and freedom. It allows one to rise above the negative energy and see things in a more positive light.
Above the falling rain
Despite the ongoing challenges or hardships in life, reaching a state of kaya allows one to rise above them and find a sense of peace or contentment.
I feel so good in my neighborhood
Kaya brings a sense of belonging and comfort in one's surroundings or community. It fosters positive relationships with others.
So here I come again
After achieving a state of kaya, one may encounter new challenges, but they are ready to face them head on.
Eu posso ver O sol aparecer Sobre a chuva que cai
I can see the sun shining through the rain. Even in times of hardship, there is a glimmer of hope and positivity to be found.
Tão bom rever A tribo, o fumacê Do cachimbo da paz (E muito mais)
It's great to see the tribe come together and share in the peace of smoking the peace pipe (and more). Kaya brings people together and fosters positive relationships with others.
Kaya já, na Gandaya Kaya já, na Gandaya Kaya já, nem que a chuva Kaya
Kaya is needed now, and it can be found in Gandaya (a state of peace and serenity). Despite any challenges faced, finding kaya is imperative.
Na Gandaya, Kaya já Na Gandaya, Kaya já Kaya já , nem que a chuva Kaya
In Gandaya, kaya can be found. No matter what obstacles arise, finding peace within oneself is essential.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GIL GILBERTO, BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alvaro Cubillos
You're Welcome
0:00 Buffalo Soldier
6:07 One drop
11:11 Waiting in vain
15:30 Table tennis
20:00 Three little birds
23:10 No woman no cry
27:46 Positive vibration
32:12 Could you be loved
37:28 Kaya
41:26 Rebel music
46:36 Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)
50:39 Time will tell
54:27 Easy Skanking
58:17 Turn Your Lights Down Low
1:02:29 Lively Up Yourself
1:06:53 Lick Samba
ANGELICA GALAZI Maciel
00:00 Buffalo Soldier
06:08 One Drop
11:11 Waiting In Vain
15:30 Table Tennis Table
20:18 Three Little Birds
23:09 Não Chore Mais ( No Woman , No Cry)
27:45 Positive Vibration
32:11 Could You Be Loved
37:27 Kaya N'Gan Daya ( Kaya )
41:26 Rebel Music ( 3 O'Clock Road Block)
46:36 Them Belly Full ( But We Hungry)
50:38 Tempo Só ( Time Will Tell)
54:26 Easy Skankin
58:17 Turn Your Lights Down Low
1:02:28 Eleve-se Alto Ao Céu ( Lively Up Yourself )
1:06:52 Lick Samba
Matheus Balieiro
Pedro Cardoso Lucena 6 meses atrás
00:00 Buffalo Soldier
06:08 One Drop
11:11 Waiting In Vain
15:30 Table Tennis Table
20:18 Three Little Birds
23:09 Não Chore Mais ( No Woman , No Cry)
27:45 Positive Vibration
32:11 Could You Be Loved
37:27 Kaya N'Gan Daya ( Kaya )
41:26 Rebel Music ( 3 O'Clock Road Block)
46:36 Them Belly Full ( But We Hungry)
50:38 Tempo Só ( Time Will Tell)
54:26 Easy Skankin
58:17 Turn Your Lights Down Low
1:02:28 Eleve-se Alto Ao Céu ( Lively Up Yourself )
1:06:52 Lick Samba
Carolaine Reis
Melhor descoberta da vida!!! Eu não sabia que Gil tem um álbum em homenagem ao Bob Marley. Simplesmente amei!!!
Andressa 33
Caraiooooo que sonzeira! garanto que metade do povo brasileiro não sabe que o Gilberto Gil tem um baita album em homenagem ao Bob! mandou muito bem 👏👏👏
André Luiz Queiroz Silva
Andressa Flores E uma banda de questão que o acompanha. Os feras estão aí tocando com ele, fora os backs que cantou com o Bob Marley. Veja o Make Of deste dvd caso não viu, fora o Show, que é genial.
guido GJ
Metade do povo brasileiro sabe muito pouco ou nada sobre sobre a obra do Gil, infelizmente.
trippyfriend
linda e tem bom gosto -
Claudio Francisco Santos
Andressa Flores também vibrei com esse repertório
Marcelo Godoy
Não só esse como o Kaya na gandaia 2
Jefferson Silva
Gil é um gigante da música brasileira. Eu não serei o mesmo sem o timbre e a criação desse gênio
Alvaro Cubillos
You're Welcome
0:00 Buffalo Soldier
6:07 One drop
11:11 Waiting in vain
15:30 Table tennis
20:00 Three little birds
23:10 No woman no cry
27:46 Positive vibration
32:12 Could you be loved
37:28 Kaya
41:26 Rebel music
46:36 Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)
50:39 Time will tell
54:27 Easy Skanking
58:17 Turn Your Lights Down Low
1:02:29 Lively Up Yourself
1:06:53 Lick Samba
Alfredo Sanz
Alvaro Cubillos