African convention
Miriam Makeba Lyrics


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The African Convention is going to take place in the nation
There will be delegations from one and all African stations
(We're sending invitations) To people of African vibrations
(Open up all relations) Come on and hear our syncopation

Every organisation, musicians and politicians
Peasant and high society, the country and the city
Come on and shake off your frustrations
There's going to be some heavy libation
We're gonna dance the blues away
We're gonna stop the pain to this day

Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Mandingo, Hawza, vulani (Beating on the tom-tom)
Beat mix from the Congo (I'll be making sweet harmony)
Well, number one on the agenda is music (Sing your song, you mighty Zulu)
Number two on the agenda is rhythm (Be-be-be-be-be-bebop in Dixieland)
Number three on the agenda is dancing (Shake your body to Hamba Mama)
Well number four on the agenda love (open up all relations)

Talk about the African, the African Convention
Talk about the African, the African Convention
Talk about the African, the African Convention
Talk about the African, the African Convention
Talk about the African, the African Convention

(The African Convention)
(The African Convention)
Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama

Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama (Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama)
Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama (Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama)
Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama

Johnny Parker, blow your horn (The African Convention)
(Talk about the African, the African Convention) Ek se daar, Letta Mbulu, sing your song
(Talk about the African, the African Convention) Wena, Masekela, blow your horn
Wena, Nina Simone, sing your song (The African Convention)





(Talk about the African, the African Convention)
(Talk about the African, the African Convention)

Overall Meaning

The song "African Convention" by Miriam Makeba seems to be an invitation to a gathering, presumably a convention of people from different African nations or stations. The lyrics talk about sending invitations to people of African vibrations, open up all relations and hear the syncopation. The song is an invitation to come together, and it emphasizes on the importance of inclusivity when talking about the African Convention, with people from all walks of life, musician, politicians, peasant, and high society all being invited to participate. The song talks about shaking off frustrations, dancing, and liberating oneself from pain, stating that there will be "heavy liberation" during the convention.


The song then delves deeper into the objectives of the convention. Music, rhythm, dancing, and love are the primary agenda items, each given a number. The song also alludes to different cultures from Africa and Jamaica. It mentions the Mandingo, Hawza, and Congo, and even reggae in Jamaica, cementing the song's pan-African and diasporic themes. The lyrics of the song emphasize unity, the spirit of liberation and progress. A convention, in this context, becomes a platform for Africans to celebrate their unity, culture and rebel against the oppressive systems that seek to divide and segregate them.


Line by Line Meaning

The African Convention is going to take place in the nation
This convention will occur in Africa


There will be delegations from one and all African stations
Delegations from all over Africa will attend


(We're sending invitations) To people of African vibrations
Invitations are being sent to those with an African connection or influence


(Open up all relations) Come on and hear our syncopation
Let's open up communication and listen to our unique beat


Every organisation, musicians and politicians
All types of people are invited, including those representing organizations and governmental positions


Peasant and high society, the country and the city
No matter your social status or where you come from, you are welcome


Come on and shake off your frustrations
Leave any stress or negative emotions behind


There's going to be some heavy libation
We will indulge in celebratory drinks


We're gonna dance the blues away
We will dance to uplift ourselves


We're gonna stop the pain to this day
We will no longer let struggles and hardships hold us back


Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Mandingo, Hawza, vulani (Beating on the tom-tom)
African rhythms and drums will be played


Beat mix from the Congo (I'll be making sweet harmony)
Melodic African beats will be created


Well, number one on the agenda is music (Sing your song, you mighty Zulu)
Music is our top priority


Number two on the agenda is rhythm (Be-be-be-be-be-bebop in Dixieland)
Rhythm follows closely in importance


Number three on the agenda is dancing (Shake your body to Hamba Mama)
Dancing is a crucial aspect of the festivity


Well number four on the agenda love (open up all relations)
Love and connection is emphasized and encouraged


Talk about the African, the African Convention
Let's speak about this gathering


Do do do do do do the reggae, Jamaica, mama
Reggae music will be played as well


Johnny Parker, blow your horn (The African Convention)
Johnny Parker is called to play his instrument at the convention


(Talk about the African, the African Convention) Ek se daar, Letta Mbulu, sing your song
Letta Mbulu is asked to perform too


(Talk about the African, the African Convention) Wena, Masekela, blow your horn
Masekela is called upon to play his instrument


Wena, Nina Simone, sing your song (The African Convention)
Nina Simone is also invited to sing


(Talk about the African, the African Convention)
Discussion about the convention continues




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HUGH MASEKELA, STANLEY TODD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

DOBAYAa Judith

I miss you soooo much !

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