Khadja left Burundi for Zaire in 1975 and got married in 1978. In 1980 she emigrated to Belgium with her two-year old son. In 1985 she met musician Nicolas Fiszman, who helped her get a contract with BMG. Her second album, a 1994 release entitled Ya Pili, was critically acclaimed. Her breakthrough, however, came in 1996 with her widely popular album Sambolera, which was sung in Swahili, Kirundi, and French. Khadja Nin successfully used a blend between African rhythms and modern pop to create her own unique brand of music. One of her most popular songs is Sina Mali, Sina Deni, a translated cover version of Stevie Wonder's song Free.
Sesiliya
Khadja Nin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ya mwaka juzi
umetuaca
ukaji endeya bila kusema
wuko wa, wuko wa, wuko
wapi
mwenyezi mungo atusayidiye
atupative nguvu
mwaka unapita, hatuzoweleye
tunaliya, sesili, sesiliya
mimi na ikala cini mikono wazi
mimi najaribu kupokeya hali iy!
sesiliya dada unaliliwa... hoo!
watoto yako umetuaminisha
kweli tutajaribu
wote pamoja
kwa kila hali tusayidiyane
tuwale, tuwale, tuwaleye
mimi na ikala cini mikono wazi
mimi najaribu kupokeya hali iy!
sesiliya dada unaliliwa... hoo!
unaliliwa ye!
The lyrics of Khadja Nin's song Sesiliya speak of a difficult year that has passed without any support from God. The first few lines describe the specific date of the year two years ago that they were abandoned and left to fend for themselves without any help or direction. The repeated use of the word "wuko" seems to suggest a sense of lostness or confusion. The singer is calling out to God to provide them with the strength to continue on and survive. The chorus, which means "we eat, Sesili, Sesiliya", could possibly represent a commentary on the human tendency to try and find comfort or solace through simple things like food, despite facing difficult situations.
The second verse seems to address Sesiliya directly, explaining that the children have been left under her care and that they will do their best to care for and protect them. They will support each other through any circumstance that they face together. The repeated line "mimi najaribu kupokeya hali iy" could mean "I am trying to adjust to the situation" or "I am trying to stay strong in the face of adversity".
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of resilience and determination in the face of hardship. Despite being left to fend for themselves, the characters in the song are determined to support each other and find a way to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
tarehe makuni tatu na moja
On a certain date, three years ago.
ya mwaka juzi
In the year prior to last.
umetuaca
It has troubled us.
ukaji endeya bila kusema
It left without saying anything.
wuko wa, wuko wa, wuko
Where is it? Where is it now?
wapi
Where is it?
mwenyezi mungo atusayidiye atupative nguvu tuendeleye
May God help and give us strength to continue.
mwaka unapita, hatuzoweleye
The year is passing by, and we are not getting any better (or richer).
tunaliya, sesili, sesiliya
We are hungry, oh Sesili, Sesiliya.
mimi na ikala cini mikono wazi mimi najaribu kupokeya hali iy!
I am standing here with empty hands, trying to make the best of the situation.
sesiliya dada unaliliwa... hoo!
Oh Sesiliya, sister, you are being mourned... hoo!
watoto yako umetuaminisha kweli tutajaribu wote pamoja kwa kila hali tusayidiyane tuwale, tuwale, tuwaleye
Your children have entrusted us, and we will try our best together, in every circumstance, to feed them.
unaliliwa ye!
You are being mourned!
Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.