Born and brought up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo M'bilia Bel became successful in the mid-1980s when she recorded and toured with Tabu Ley Rochereau, and made her own solo albums. The birth of her first child prompted her to take a break from performing, however, and after a last album with Ley in 1987, she moved to Paris. There she started working with guitarist Rigo Star, and between 1989 and 1990 she went on to tour the United States, the United Kingdom, and West Africa.
She has released 4 albums since 1990. M'bilia continues to wear her crown as Queen of Congolese rumba.
Esui yo wapi
Mbilia Bel Lyrics
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Tika ngai na benda nzoto
Obandi kopanza na basango bipayi biso likambo o ngai na nani eh
Instrunmental
Nayokaki yanog nandimi te
Kasi namoni lelo mbala misato
Makambo nza koboma na nzoto na ngai tembe yango yo na nani eh
Instrunmental
Nabangi mobali ya polo-polo lokola yo oyo mpasi eh
Instrunmental
Obongisaki ngai nandimi
Olatisi ngai mpe omemi nsango obimisaki ngai bipayi biso
Mpo ya kolakisa nse lokumu na yo moko
Inatrunmental
Okimaki ngai ntango nabeli
Osalisi ngai ata moke te
Bandima mobali na mboka na biso oyo likambo nse kosalisa ah papa
Instrunmental
Osundoli ngai na famille na ntango na mpasie
Likambo yango ezali awa na motema
Obanga lisumu te oza kotonga
Ka okoloba mpo na soni eh
Instrunmental
Tuna ngai nayebisa yo o
Mosala mobali ko nini eh
Nzambe atinda Adamu na kati ya mokili asalisa Eva
Instrunmental
Moke opesa ngai osilisi maloba ki mobali na yo ya nini o papa
Opesa ngai lopango ata ko ba voiture ofuti nyongo ya Adamu na Eva
Bandima mobali na santé ya mwasi mpe na capacité na ye ya kolatisa
Instrunmental
Tika ngai na vanda na ngai
Tika napemisa nzotó
Nabandi kozwa mopepe moke ya rebours
Makambo na yo nabosani eh
Instrunmental
Oyebisi na bato te ngai nabala te eswi yo wapi eh
Ozali koloba te yo sukola ngai epayi wapi eh
Ozwa ngai wai eh olula ngai ndenge nini eh
Obala ngai ntina eh opeis ngai nini eh
Oyoki ngai na moto eye ko deranger na ntina nini eh
Nalata nabonga obeli nde liboma ya ntina nini eh
O tokomi wapi eh mabe na ngai otinde wapi eh
Ntango nazalaki kolela sentiment otiaki wapi eh
Eswi yo wapi eh eswi yo epayi wapi eh o
Eswi yo wapi eh, eswi yo epayi wapi eh
Eswi yo wapi eh, eswi yo epayi wapi eh
The lyrics of "Esui yo wapi" by Mbilia Bel are filled with emotional depth and introspection, reflecting on personal struggles and relationships. The song conveys feelings of vulnerability, confusion, and longing for clarity in a complex situation. In the first section of the song, the singer expresses a sense of fear and hesitation, feeling overwhelmed by inner struggles and external pressures. There is a plea for understanding and resolution in the midst of uncertainty, as the instrumental sections provide a reflective pause within the lyrical narrative.
As the song progresses, themes of gender dynamics and power struggles within relationships come to the forefront. The singer addresses the complexities of masculinity and femininity, questioning societal expectations and the impact of these dynamics on personal interactions. There is a sense of conflict and tension between partners, with a plea for mutual understanding and acceptance. The instrumental breaks serve as emotional punctuation marks, allowing moments of contemplation and introspection amidst the lyrical intensity.
The chorus of the song, with the repeated refrain of "Eswi yo wapi eh, eswi yo epayi wapi eh," carries a sense of urgency and longing for resolution. The singer grapples with questions of direction and purpose, seeking clarity and a way forward in the face of confusion. The repeated questioning reflects a deep desire for answers and guidance in navigating the complexities of life and relationships. The instrumental interludes provide a musical backdrop to the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics, enhancing the song's poignant tone.
Overall, "Esui yo wapi" delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, capturing the universal themes of love, pain, and self-discovery. The introspective lyrics and soulful vocals of Mbilia Bel evoke a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and struggles. The song's poignant message and captivating melody work in harmony to create a powerful and resonant musical experience.
Writer(s): Pascal Rochereau, Bilia Mboyo
Contributed by Gabriel R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ericniaba1716
Décidément les années Mobutu fut les plus belles de la grande et puissante Nation du Congo
- Congo Leopoldville
- Zaïre
Un frere de Cote d'Ivoire
@hbeat211
Je suis un jeune Camerounais. Cette chanson je l'ai suivie avec mon père dans la voiture. Pendant que les mélodies m'emportaient, lui il chantait. La nostalgie me revient. Merci à celui qui l'a postée
@user-zx5ei3is4r
Please wake me up in the morning with this African Queen 💚🌹💚
@albertbenga2130
Misiki ya Mbilia eza kitoko. Na za muana Kamerun. Na lingi ambiance ya RDC
@dennistunge7882
Not even micheal Jackson can top this for me..original Kenyans 😂😂
@hermineewoudou2468
Mon jeune enfance 😊
Merci mon Dieu pour ces beaux moments.
@albertbenga2130
Na pesa Madame Mbilia Bell respect
@anthonysavio3875
When I listen to this song I quickly think about Nairobi,Mchomo,ugali, Tusker lager and life at Harambee estate. Buruburu,Jericho..
@YanTheBarber
Je vois mon enfance… 🕺😀
@octaviemoseka8784
Vraiment maman cette chanson est très très utile pour les hommes qui crient" tu es devenue comme ça grâce à moi ,je t'ai façonné " mais sérieux on respecte l'homme de par la manière dont il traite et prend soin de sa femme ... merci maman mbilia bel