Members of the band include: Francesco "Fry" Moneti (violin, guitar), Franco D'Aniello (tin whistle, flute), Massimo "Ice" Ghiacci (bass, vocals), Roberto Zeno (drums, percussion), Stefano "Cisco" Bellotti (solo vocals), Arcangelo "Kaba" Cavazzuti (keyboards, drums, percussion, background vocals), Luca "Gabibbo" Giacometti (bouzouki, mandolin, banjo).
Bellotti left the band in November 2005 after 14 years with the Ramblers. The new lead vocalists are: Davide “Dudu” Morandi, Betty Vezzani.
Mamã África
Modena City Ramblers Lyrics
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Negli occhi la fatica dell'attesa
Sognare via lontano un'altra vita
L'incontro all'orizzonte, al paradiso
L'antico forte appare tra le roccie
Fantasma di un passato addormentato
Memorie di catena mai spezzate
Stringimi, lasciami Mama Africa, Africa
Seguimi, chiamami Mama Africa, Africa
Donami la forza della lava
Che ribolle nel tuo ventre violentato
Perché possa riposare nel mio cuore
La rabbia che mi prende nel lasciarti andare via
Che un giorno questa rabbia sia coraggio
Sia radice e nuova linfa e resistenza
E maturi questa antica sofferenza in rinata dignità
Stringimi, lasciami Mama Africa, Africa
Seguimi, chiamami Mama Africa, Africa
(Grazie a Ciccio per questo testo)
The song "Mama Africa" by Modena City Ramblers features lyrics that focus on the struggles and hardships of Africa. The first verse paints a picture of the night blending in with the sea, as the weariness of waiting is evident in the eyes. The desire to dream of another life far away is expressed, with the meeting at the horizon being viewed as a meeting with paradise. The second verse describes an ancient fortress appearing among the rocks, a ghost from a slumbering past. Memories of unbroken chains and eternal slavery are also evoked in the lyrics.
The chorus is a powerful cry out to Africa with the singer expressing a desire to be held by and called "Mama Africa". The lava in Africa's belly is metaphorically requested to be given, so that the singer can rest his anger, that takes hold when he has to let Africa go. The ultimate hope is that this anger will one day morph into courage, leading to renewed resilience and dignity for Africa. The overall message of the song seems to be one of love and admiration for Africa, while at the same time acknowledging the struggles that the continent has faced and continues to face.
Line by Line Meaning
La notte si confonde con il mare
The night merges with the sea
Negli occhi la fatica dell'attesa
In the eyes, the fatigue of waiting
Sognare via lontano un'altra vita
To dream of a distant path, another life
L'incontro all'orizzonte, al paradiso
The encounter at the horizon, in paradise
L'antico forte appare tra le roccie
The ancient fort appears among the rocks
Fantasma di un passato addormentato
Ghost of a sleeping past
Memorie di catena mai spezzate
Memories of an unbroken chain
E di eterne schiavitù
And of eternal slavery
Stringimi, lasciami Mama Africa, Africa
Hold me, let me go Mama Africa, Africa
Seguimi, chiamami Mama Africa, Africa
Follow me, call me Mama Africa, Africa
Donami la forza della lava
Give me the strength of lava
Che ribolle nel tuo ventre violentato
That boils in your violated belly
Perché possa riposare nel mio cuore
So that I can rest in my heart
La rabbia che mi prende nel lasciarti andare via
The anger that takes hold of me in letting you go
Che un giorno questa rabbia sia coraggio
So that one day this anger can be courage
Sia radice e nuova linfa e resistenza
Be the root and new sap and resistance
E maturi questa antica sofferenza in rinata dignità
And mature this ancient suffering into reborn dignity
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.