He is most associated with the samba school Vila Isabel, and his own compositions (sambas de enredo) have been annually inaugurated by Vila Isabel in Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval competition for decades. His signature song, "Casa de Bamba," which dates back to the 1970s, is one of Brazilians' most beloved sambas. At age 74, he is still doing concerts and his lyrics continue to rally the spirits of audiences throughout Brazil. His 1995 CD "Ta Delicia Ta Gostoso" sold more than a million copies. His music shows influence from the region where he was born, such as the calango rhythm.
Martinho is politically active and a prominent figure and spokesperson for Afro-Brazilian issues as well as for the Brazilian Communist Party. He is the author of six books, and has been a recording artist since 1969.
Vamos Kizombar
Martinho Da Vila Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chegou a hora dessa gente ser feliz
Panela no fogo
Barriga vazia
Esse povo nunca quis
Brasil
Vê se toma uma atitude
Dividindo o pão de hoje
Que assim
Vai mostrar pra todo mundo
Que é possível comer junto
Com um pedaço de maçã
Carioca maneiro
É o Betinho mineiro
Que acordou a nação
Reunindo o pessoal
Pra fazer um carnaval
Com um quilo na mão
Kizombar
Kozombeiro
Lutando contra a fome
Pelo Rio de Janeiro
The lyrics of Martinho Da Vila's song "Vamos Kizombar" depict a call to action, urging people to come together and find happiness despite a difficult reality. The opening lines emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity, suggesting that it is time for this group of people to find joy. The image of a pot on the stove and empty bellies suggests a lack of resources or basic needs, portraying the struggles faced by this community.
The lyrics then allude to the people's resentment towards Brazil, expressing a feeling that they have been neglected or disregarded. It calls for a change in attitude, urging the country to take action and address the issues faced by its citizens. The idea of sharing today's bread with the children of tomorrow symbolizes the importance of investing in the future and ensuring a better life for future generations.
The song then introduces two individuals, Betinho and a person from Minas Gerais, highlighting the unity and diversity within the nation. It suggests that Betinho, who woke up the nation, brought people together to celebrate and enjoy life despite their challenging circumstances. The mention of a kilo in hand implies that they are taking part in a gathering or celebration, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community.
The chorus, with the words "Kizombar" and "Kozombeiro," draws attention to the specific style of music known as Kizomba or Kozombo, which originated in Angola and is characterized by sensual dance moves and rhythmic music. By using this term, the song suggests that by embracing this cultural expression and fighting against hunger, they are reclaiming their joy and happiness in Rio de Janeiro.
Overall, the lyrics of "Vamos Kizombar" encourage unity, action, and resilience in the face of adversity. The song highlights the struggles faced by a community in Brazil, urging them to come together, fight against hunger, and find happiness through their cultural expression.
Line by Line Meaning
Vamos Kizombar
Let's Kizomba
Chegou a hora dessa gente ser feliz
The time has come for these people to be happy
Panela no fogo
Pot on the fire
Barriga vazia
Empty stomach
Esse povo nunca quis Brasil
This people never wanted Brazil
Vê se toma uma atitude
See if you can take an action
Dividindo o pão de hoje
Sharing today's bread
Com os moleques do amanhã
With the kids of tomorrow
Que assim
So that
Vai mostrar pra todo mundo
It will show everyone
Que é possível comer junto
That it is possible to eat together
Com um pedaço de maçã
With a piece of apple
Carioca maneiro
Cool Carioca
É o Betinho mineiro
It's Betinho from Minas Gerais
Que acordou a nação
Who woke up the nation
Reunindo o pessoal
Gathering the people
Pra fazer um carnaval
To make a carnival
Com um quilo na mão
With a kilo in hand
Kizombar
Kizomba-ing
Kozombeiro
Zombie-like
Lutando contra a fome
Fighting against hunger
Pelo Rio de Janeiro
For Rio de Janeiro
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mart Nalia Mendonca Ferreira, Jose Carlos Carauta Couto, Jorge Fernando Ribeiro Trindade
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind