Diko… Read Full Bio ↴Henri Dikongué (b. 1967) is a Cameroonian singer and guitarist.
Dikongué was born in Douala to a family of musicians. He attended a school music in Paris, where he attempted unsuccessfully to release a first album. He started a music/acting troupe and worked with actor Martin Yog and musicians Alfred M'Bongo and Manuel Wandji, as well as Maranatha, a South African chorus.
After finally choosing to settle in Paris in 1989, he perfected his skills with classical guitar and collaborated with African musicians such as Manu Dibango and Papa Wemba. In 1995 he released his first album, Wa. His music mixes elements from makossa, bikutsi, reggae and rumba. He sings in his native tongue, Duala.
His second album, C'est la vie, was released in 1997 (in the US under the Tinder Records label) and sold about 10,000 copies. Between 1997 and 1998, he toured Germany and the United States.
His third album, N'oublie jamais, was released in 2000. This album incorporated more musical styles such as reggae and flamenco, but the album wasn't as successful as his previous works.
Discography
* Wa 1995
* C'est la vie (This is life) 1997
* N'oublie jamais (Never forget) 2000
* Biso Nawa 2005
External links
* Official website of Henri Dikongué: http://www.henridikongue.com/
c'est la vie
Henri Dikongué Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
une naissance, un cri, une douleur, un bruit, un coeur très doux, ami, un coeur qui bat la vie
je voudrais m'arrêter sur ce bonheur qui m est donné
cette force jaillit de sa fragilité ne fini pas de m'etonner
balayer, balayer, balayer
laisser ma detresse où elle est
tout parait beau, tout parait léger
C'est La Vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
elle est bien la divine amie nous dévisage et nous souritune caresse, une joie, un sourire, une voix, une main tremblante et moi une âme qui vit de toi
je voudrais dire merci
pour ce moment qui me grandit
c'est comme si je n'étais jamais né
avant cet enfant nouveau né
balayer, balayer, balayer
les blessures de mon passé
tout parait beau, tout parait léger
comme si le monde allait changé
C'est la vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
c'est du mystère de la magie je me sens père ça me ravi
C'est la vie, la vie, la vie, oh la vie eh
elle est bien là divine amie me donne des ailes et des envies
C'est la vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
elle est bien la divine amie, nous dévisage et nous souritC'est la vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
cette présence qui fait aussi une existence de ma vieC'est La Vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
c'est du mystère de la magie je me sens père ça me ravi
C'est la vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
elle est bien la divine amie me donne des ailes et des envies
The lyrics of Henri Dikongué's "C'est la vie" are primarily about the joys and mysteries of life, particularly as symbolized by a newborn child. The first verse describes the process of childbirth, with all its pain, noise, and vulnerability. Despite these difficulties, the singer finds himself filled with a sense of happiness and wonder at the new life he is witnessing. He wants to "stop" and "bask" in this feeling, which he finds both delicate and powerful. He resolves to "sweep away" his past troubles and embrace this new experience, which feels like a transformative force.
The chorus reiterates the idea that life is a beautiful, divine mystery. The singer describes a range of emotional experiences that are associated with life, from caresses and joys to tremors and sadness. He thanks the force of life itself, represented by the child and its birth, for making him feel so alive and uplifted. He wants to "sweep away" all his past wounds and traumas and start anew in the present moment, which feels light and free. The chorus is repeated several times, underscoring the idea that life is something to be celebrated and cherished, in all its complexity and richness.
Overall, "C'est la vie" is a heartfelt celebration of the power and beauty of life, particularly as symbolized by the birth of a new child. The singer is clearly deeply affected by this experience, which he finds transformative and uplifting. The song acknowledges the difficulties and pain associated with birth and life in general, but ultimately it emphasizes the joy and the mystery of this incredible force that animates and guides us all.
Line by Line Meaning
une naissance, un cri, une douleur, un bruit, un coeur très doux, ami, un coeur qui bat la vie
Life begins with birth, marked by a cry, pain, noise, and a tender heart that continues to beat.
je voudrais m'arrêter sur ce bonheur qui m est donné
I want to stop and enjoy the happiness that has been given to me.
cette force jaillit de sa fragilité ne fini pas de m'etonner
The strength that comes from fragility never ceases to amaze me.
balayer, balayer, balayer
Sweep away, sweep away, sweep away.
laisser ma detresse où elle est
Leave my distress where it is.
tout parait beau, tout parait léger
Everything appears beautiful, everything seems light.
comme si le monde avait changé.
As if the world has changed.
C'est La Vie, la vie, la vie oh, la vie eh
Such is life, life, life, oh life.
elle est bien la divine amie nous dévisage et nous sourit
Life is the divine friend that watches over us and smiles.
une caresse, une joie, un sourire, une voix, une main tremblante et moi une âme qui vit de toi
Life brings caresses, joy, smiles, trembling voices, and nourishes my soul.
je voudrais dire merci
I want to say thank you.
pour ce moment qui me grandit
For this moment that makes me grow.
c'est comme si je n'étais jamais né avant cet enfant nouveau né
It's as if I never existed before this newborn child.
les blessures de mon passé
The wounds of my past.
me donne des ailes et des envies
Life gives me wings and desires.
cette présence qui fait aussi une existence de ma vie
This presence is also a part of my existence.
c'est du mystère de la magie je me sens père ça me ravi
Life is a mystery and magic, and being a father fills me with joy.
Writer(s): M. Sembello, R. Rudolph
Contributed by Evan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.