Magic System's recordings, in the Zouglou dance style, have featured in the charts throughout Africa (selling over 1.5 million CDs), the West Indies and in France, where the band became one of the most popular modern African artists.
Soumalélé
Magic System Lyrics
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Le zouglou qui est là c'est un esprit
Tu veux tu veux pas on peut rien changer
On dit on parle beaucoup ils sont fâchés
Gbé est mieux que drap ho c'est notre devise
Soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman
La musique du peuple c'est le zouglou
Enfant du ghetto on est né dedans
Tu peux critiquer ho tu peux même bouder
Nous on est calé ho on peut pas bouger
Soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman
Angelo kabila est ce que tu peux
Christian Obrou tu peux pas bouger
Zadi Gkapé est ce que tu peux
Commandant Choco tu peux pas bouger
Francky la Gova est ce que tu peux
Commissaire Barro tu peux pas bouger
Aimée Zebié est ce que tu peux
Commandant Loubey tu peux pas bouger
Soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman
Epi hé ééééh, allez attention hannn
Epi hé ééééh molo molo hoooo
Epi hé doucement ho hannn
1,2,3 si tu joues avec le zoulou tu es foutu
Epi hé ééééh, allez attention hannn
Epi hé doucement ho hannn
1,2,3 si tu joues avec le zoulou tu es foutu
The song "Soumalélé" by Magic System is an ode to the genre of zouglou music and its importance to the Ivorian people. The lyrics express the idea that zouglou is more than just music, it is a way of life, a spirit that cannot be changed. The repetition of "Soumalélé alélé souman" throughout the song serves as a sort of chant to rally those who believe in the power of zouglou.
The second verse emphasizes the origins of zouglou as the music of the people, specifically those from the ghetto. The lyrics suggest that even if people criticize or try to ignore the genre, it will always be a part of their identity and can't be shaken. The refrain of "soumalélé alélé souman" serves as a reminder to hold onto their culture and spirit, even in the face of criticism.
The final verse calls out specific individuals, presumably those who may have underestimated or disrespected the power of zouglou. The repetition of their names with the phrase "tu peux pas bouger" ("you can't move") serves as a warning that, even though they may hold positions of power, they cannot ignore or dismiss the importance of zouglou. The outro of the song includes a call-and-response style chant, with a warning to those who would "play with the zouglou" and the response of "you're done for".
Overall, "Soumalélé" is a celebration and defense of the genre of zouglou and its cultural significance to the Ivorian people.
Line by Line Meaning
Soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman soumalélé alélé souman
The people's music is zouglou, a spirit that can't be changed, even if people speak out in anger. Our motto is that culture is better than material objects.
Le zouglou qui est là c'est un esprit
Zouglou is a spirit.
Tu veux tu veux pas on peut rien changer
You can't change the spirit of zouglou music no matter what.
On dit on parle beaucoup ils sont fâchés
People talk out in anger despite the spirit of zouglou music.
Gbé est mieux que drap ho c'est notre devise
Our motto is that culture is better than material objects.
La musique du peuple c'est le zouglou
Zouglou is the music of the people.
Enfant du ghetto on est né dedans
We were born in the ghetto.
Tu peux critiquer ho tu peux même bouder
You can criticize and judge us all you want, but we remain ourselves.
Nous on est calé ho on peut pas bouger
We are who we are, and we can't be changed.
Angelo kabila est ce que tu peux
Angelo Kabila, can you do it?
Christian Obrou tu peux pas bouger
Christian Obrou, you can't change us.
Zadi Gkapé est ce que tu peux
Zadi Gkapé, can you do it?
Commandant Choco tu peux pas bouger
Commandant Choco, you can't change zouglou.
Francky la Gova est ce que tu peux
Francky la Gova, can you do it?
Commissaire Barro tu peux pas bouger
Commissaire Barro, you can't change zouglou music.
Aimée Zebié est ce que tu peux
Aimée Zebié, can you do it?
Commandant Loubey tu peux pas bouger
Commandant Loubey, you can't change zouglou music.
Epi hé ééééh, allez attention hannn
Hey, pay attention.
Epi hé ééééh molo molo hoooo
Slowly, take it easy.
Epi hé doucement ho hannn
Easy does it.
1,2,3 si tu joues avec le zoulou tu es foutu
If you mess with zouglou, there will be consequences.
Lyrics © EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADAMA FANNY, ETIENNE BOUEBI KOHOU, NARCISSE SODOUA, OLIVIER BLE, SALIF TRAORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mero
on Amoulanga
Beautiful