Joseph “JoJo” Kuo is a much-sought after musician and producer who is known… Read Full Bio ↴Joseph “JoJo” Kuo is a much-sought after musician and producer who is known globally for his extraordinary drumming talent.

No Kelen Kelen (Cameroonian term for "no deception"), was conceived around the time of the opening of the Disney Animal Kingdom theme park, where JoJo was the resident African band and special events leader, in 1999.

This compilation was a long time in the making, and the diverse cultural backgrounds of the musicians are woven masterfully into this musical tapestry. No Kelen Kelen features vocals by Chet Samuel (Burning Spear), Sisaundra Lewis (Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba”), Michelle Amato (Yanni), and notable studio musicians Rohan Reid (Najee), Charlie DeChant (Hall & Oates), Martino Atangana (Tchokola w/Jean-Luc Ponty), and others.

JoJo Kuo has contributed his performing and producing talents globally with such artists as Manu Dibango, Fela, Peter Gabriel, Papa Wemba, Mory Kante, Harry Belafonte and Richard Bona, to name just a few. JoJo’s creative talents have contributed directly to the success of many African hits, most notably Mory Kante’s, “Yeke Yeke,” an early World Beat production dance hit which sold over a million records worldwide.

JoJo currently lives in New York City. If you’d like to experience JoJo Kuo & The Afro-Beat Collective in person contact him at www.myspace.com/jojokuomusic or at his website, www.jojokuo.com. JoJo Kuo & The Afro-Beat Collective perform regularly at Joe’s Pub, Zinc Bar, Zebulon and other New York City locations.

Are You Ready
JoJo Kuo Lyrics

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Now this one is for each and every child around world…

Sending out a message
A call around the world
Said I’m sending out a message
To each boy and every girl
Tell them get together
It’s time to come alive

Say it’s time to get together
Time to come alive
Calling America
Calling Africa yea
Calling each and every nation

Singing about the children
Children of the world
Singing about the children
Children of the world

Are you ready
Are you ready
Children of the world

You don’t need no money and soon you’ll see
Say you don’t need no money
And soon you’ll agree
Cause everyone that we get the children
Means more love we’ll see
Singing each and every child
Means more love you see
Singing about the children
Children of the world

Are you ready
Are you ready
Are you ready
Are you ready

Every little child needs a little holiday
Every little child needs another holiday
So lets all come together
And have a play day time
Singing about the children
Children of the world

Are you ready… (repeats)

Overall Meaning

In "Are You Ready" by JoJo Kuo, the lyrics send a powerful message to children all around the world, emphasizing the importance of unity and love. The song starts by stating that this message is for every child, regardless of their nationality or background. It calls for coming together and being alive, not just as individuals, but as a collective force. The lyrics specifically mention calling America and Africa, aiming to unite nations and spread this message globally.

The song emphasizes the significance of children, highlighting them as the hope for a brighter future. By singing about the children of the world, the lyrics imply that the innocence and purity of children can inspire love and understanding among adults. It suggests that if everyone acknowledges and values the children's voices, more love can be cultivated in the world.

The repetition of the question "Are you ready?" acts as a call to action, urging individuals to reflect upon their readiness to embrace unity and empathy. It reinforces the idea that in order to create a better world, everyone needs to be willing to come together and celebrate each other's differences.

Line by Line Meaning

Sending out a message
I am spreading a message

A call around the world
A call to everyone in the world

Said I’m sending out a message
I am saying that I am spreading a message

To each boy and every girl
To every boy and girl

Tell them get together
Tell them to come together

It’s time to come alive
It's time to start living

Say it’s time to get together
Say that it's time to come together

Time to come alive
Time to start living

Calling America
Asking America

Calling Africa yea
Asking Africa yes

Calling each and every nation
Asking every nation