Ayé Africa
Manu Dibango Lyrics


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Ah e e Africa
Eh e Africa
O Lipanda

Ah e e Africa
Eh e Africa
O Liberté
Kokata koni pasi
Soki na kati koteka pasi

Na pasi oyo ya boye
Ngai na bana mawa, Nakoka te

Basusu oyo naponaka
Bawela bokonnzi
Pe na ba-voitures

Bavoti tango ekomaka
Ngai nakomaka moto
Pona bango

Nakomi tuna: Mondele akende
Lipanda tozuwaka o ya nani e?
Africa e

Ah e e Africa
Eh e Africa
O Lipanda

Ah e e Africa




Eh e Africa
O Liberté

Overall Meaning

The song "Aye Africa" by Manu Dibango celebrates the continent of Africa with its vibrant cultures, distinct histories, and fervor for freedom. The repetitive chorus, "Ah e e Africa, Eh e Africa, O Lipanda, Ah e e Africa, Eh e Africa, O Liberté," is a nod to Africa's resilience in the face of colonialism, a period where African countries were robbed of their freedoms and had to fight for their independence.


The first verse of the song talks about the struggles of everyday life in Africa where poor infrastructure, poverty, and lack of opportunities hold people back. The lines "Kokata koni pasi soki na kati koteka pasi, Na pasi oyo ya boye ngai na bana mawa, Nakoka te" translate to "Stuck in the mud, If I push will I move? This road that leads nowhere, My kids are scared, And I cannot help but tremble, too." These lines emphasize the disappointments that many African communities face and their hopes for the future.


The second verse is a celebration of the diverse cultures, traditions, and innovations on the continent. The lines "Bavoti tango ekomaka, Ngai nakomaka moto pona bango, Nakomi tuna: Mondele akende, Lipanda tozuwaka o ya nani e? Africa e" mean "While they ride their cars, I ride my motorcycle, for them, they say: 'The white man is leaving,' but what will happen to Africa?" This verse underlines Africa's potential to produce and innovate as it moves towards economic and cultural independence.


Overall, Manu Dibango's "Aye Africa" is a soulful and inspirational salute to African culture, history, and to the notion of freedom.


Line by Line Meaning

Ah e e Africa
Expressing excitement about Africa


Eh e Africa
Repeating the excitement


O Lipanda
Calling out to the people of Lipanda


Ah e e Africa
Still excited about Africa


Eh e Africa
Repeating the excitement again


O Liberté
Calling out to the people of Liberté


Kokata koni pasi
If you don't have any place to go


Soki na kati koteka pasi
If you are lost and wandering


Na pasi oyo ya boye
On this road of life


Ngai na bana mawa, Nakoka te
I and my children are not afraid, we shall not fall


Basusu oyo naponaka
Those who stand in our way


Bawela bokonnzi
Will carry their heavy burden


Pe na ba-voitures
In their cars


Bavoti tango ekomaka
Talking loudly and making noise


Ngai nakomaka moto
I will ride my bike


Pona bango
Towards them


Nakomi tuna: Mondele akende
I say to them: The white man is coming


Lipanda tozuwaka o ya nani e?
Who will stand in the way of Lipanda?


Africa e
Africa is great


Ah e e Africa
Still excited about Africa


Eh e Africa
Repeating the excitement yet again


O Lipanda
Calling out to the people of Lipanda once more


Ah e e Africa
Final expression of excitement for Africa


Eh e Africa
Final repetition of the excitement for Africa


O Liberté
Final call out to the people of Liberté




Writer(s): manu dibango, franklin boukaka

Contributed by Tyler G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@castosemiono7155

A lamentation song for Africa. Wake up Africa.

@mauvaisguymrmatt5260

I cry how Cameroon lost this icon so soon😢😢
Rest Well Legend

@joseckmosomi7155

From Nairobi Kenya ....,This song by Manu Dibango - aye Africa, Liberte !!....Love this song To core, it reminds me of my Childhood life . Once i hear this song i remember My Late Dad 🥲🥲 , RIP my Beloved Dad ! 🙏

@cocombassiofficial

Honoured to have taken part in this momentous concert.

@epemengolle4137

And you brought in your usual energy.

@hermannbricedjoko8317

Was just more amazing in live . For those who where lucky taking part of 🤗🤗🤗

@lavoixdesanciens

Coco mbassi what honour to sée you here i love one of your song iwiye...

@MakusaroTesha

Tell us more. Some of us can only dream. RIP Legend .. 🥹😭🇹🇿

@user-uw6ub6rz8w

​@@hermannbricedjoko8317u²

2 More Replies...

@tafimutekwe2855

What a momentous occasion to have the great (African) Jamaican - British saxophonist Courtney Pine sharing the stage with our African legend and a whole orchestra. The great re-union of Africa and its long lost diaspora. Music has a language all of its own.

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