Released: 1985
Genre: Jazz
Style: Jazz-Rock, Cool Jazz
Credits:
Producer - Hugh Masekela
Co-producer - Stewart Levine
Engineer - Anjali Dutt
Mixed By - Bryan 'Chuck' New* , Hugh Masekela , James 'Juicy' Mtume*
Written-By - Fela Anikulapo Kuti*
Lady
Hugh Masekela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She go saaaaay e she go sey I be Lady o
If you call my woman African woman no go gree
She go saaaaay e she go sey I be Lady o
I wan tell you about lady
She go sey I be Lady o
I wan tell you about lady
She go sey I be Lady o
She go sey I be Lady o
I wan tell you about lady
She go sey I be Lady o
She wan sit down for table
The lyrics of Hugh Masekela's song "Lady" express the pride and dignity of African women. The lines "If you call my woman African woman no go gree, she go saaaaay e she go sey I be Lady o" highlight the fact that African women don't want to be labeled just as "African women" because they believe they deserve more respect and recognition than that. The word "Lady" emphasises their worth, and the repetition of "I wan tell you about lady, she go sey I be Lady o" is a form of affirmation that African women are indeed ladies and should be treated as such.
The song is a celebration of the beauty, strength, and character of African women. It portrays them as intelligent, powerful, and graceful. It recognises their contribution to society and their ability to run homes, raise families, and still excel in their careers. The lyrics also convey that African women are confident in themselves and their femininity.
Overall, "Lady" is a message to the world that African women should be respected, appreciated and valued for who they are. It is a reminder that they are an integral part of African society and culture, and their voices should be heard and respected.
Line by Line Meaning
If you call my woman African woman no go gree
My partner does not identify as just an African woman, asserting her individual identity and refusing to be labeled solely based on her nationality or ethnicity.
She go saaaaay e she go sey I be Lady o
She boldly declares herself to be a lady, deserving of respect and admiration.
I wan tell you about lady
I want to speak about the qualities and characteristics of a true lady.
She wan sit down for table
She desires a seat at the table, equal standing and recognition in all spaces and situations.
Writer(s): Kuti Fela Anikulapo
Contributed by Sadie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.