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.
Nakeyi Nairobi
Mbilia Bel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nakei Nairobi
1) I heard that you've been treated badly.
Come closer,
in my heart, I am still yours.
we are used to each other, Dunia.
We started our friendship since childhood,
under the eyes of mother.
3) It is inappropriate for me to hear
that you are suffering in my absence.
I will come to Kenya
to get you and bring you back to Kinshasa.
4) Big sister Elodie, tween sister,
why have you lowered your standard?
Big sister Elodie, tween sister,
why have you lowered your standard?
Instrumental
5) Friendship bonds from infancy is sometimes
stronger than bonds between relatives.
We've known each other since infancy.
We've been all over Kenya together.
6) We are known in Nairobi, Mombasa ah,
Nakuru, Kisumu
Harambee eh, Harambee eh, Harambee eh,
Harambee, Nyayo
7) (Repeat x7)
I am on my way to Nairobi, to help Duni.
I am on my way to Nairobi;
I will bring Duni back.
The song "Nakeyi Nairobi" by Mbilia Bel talks about friendship and loyalty in times of adversity. The first verse expresses the artist's concern for a friend who she heard was mistreated, and reveals her continued love and affection towards them. The second verse emphasizes the depth of their bond, which began in childhood and was supervised by their mother. She also mentions the inappropriate nature of hearing about her friend's suffering in her absence, indicating the importance of being present for one another.
In the third verse, the singer announces her plans to travel to Nairobi to rescue her friend, highlighting the strength of their friendship and the lengths she's willing to go to help. The fourth verse addresses her friend's family, specifically her big sister and tween sister. She questions why they've allowed her friend to be treated badly, emphasizing the responsibility of family to look out for one another.
The fifth verse further emphasizes the strength of their bond, stating that childhood friendships can sometimes be stronger than those with relatives. The sixth verse lists various cities in Kenya where they've been together and ends with a call to action for unity and togetherness. Finally, the song ends with the artist repeating her commitment to helping her friend and bringing her back to Kinshasa.
Overall, "Nakeyi Nairobi" is a powerful song that speaks to the importance of friendship, loyalty, and standing up for those we love in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard that you've been treated badly.
Come closer,
in my heart, I am still yours.
I have heard about the treatment you received and want to comfort you. Despite everything, my heart still belongs to you.
We grew up together,
we are used to each other, Dunia.
We started our friendship since childhood,
under the eyes of mother.
Our friendship goes way back since childhood, and we're close like family. Our mothers watched over us as we grew up together.
It is inappropriate for me to hear
that you are suffering in my absence.
I will come to Kenya
to get you and bring you back to Kinshasa.
It hurts me to know that you're going through hard times without me. I'll travel to Kenya to come get you and bring you home with me to Kinshasa.
Big sister Elodie, tween sister,
why have you lowered your standard?
Big sister Elodie, tween sister,
why have you lowered your standard?
Instrumental
I am questioning why my loved ones have accepted less than they deserve. This instrumental section emphasizes the weight of this question.
Friendship bonds from infancy is sometimes
stronger than bonds between relatives.
We've known each other since infancy.
We've been all over Kenya together.
Childhood friendships can be just as strong, if not stronger, than family bonds. We've grown up together and traveled across Kenya side by side.
We are known in Nairobi, Mombasa ah,
Nakuru, Kisumu
Harambee eh, Harambee eh, Harambee eh,
Harambee, Nyayo
We have a reputation and recognition in various cities across Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu. We also shout out to the Kenyan rallying cry of 'Harambee' and the government program of 'Nyayo'.
(Repeat x7)
I am on my way to Nairobi, to help Duni.
I am on my way to Nairobi;
I will bring Duni back.
I repeat this line seven times, emphasizing my commitment to helping my loved one named Duni. I am traveling to Nairobi and will return with them.
Contributed by Charlie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mikailm6934
I heard that you've been treated badly.
Come closer, in my heart, I am still yours.
We grew up together, we are used to each other, Dunia
We started our friendship since childhood, under the eyes of Mother.
It is inappropriate for me to hear that you are suffering in my absence.
I will come to Kenya to get you and bring you back
To Kinshasa. Big sister Elodie, twin sister
Why have you lowered your standard?
Big sister Elodie, twin sister
Why have you lowered your standard?
Friendship bonds from infancy
Is sometimes stronger than bonds between relatives.
We've known each other since infancy.
We've been all over Kenya together.
We are known in Nairobi, Mombasa ah, Nakuru, Kisumu
Harambee eh, Harambee eh, Harambee eh
Harambee, Nyayo
(Repeat x7)
I am on my way to Nairobi, to help Duni
I am on my way to Nairobi
I will bring Duni back
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Merci
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what about Lady issa
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Oh! Las grandezas de Africa. Sois seréis lo más grande de africa musicalmente. Desde niña, he seguido tu musica. Gracias Mbilia Bell.
Una admiradora de Guinea Ecuatorial, desde España.
@mamacitabecky
Torres redblue
@nanduducarol
Don't ask who is here in 2024, because we never left
@timothywekesa5361
I never left!
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We thank God for life😮
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❤❤