Ogan Di Belê
Naçăo Zumbi Lyrics
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Minha coroa é de Xangô
Eu vim tocar pra mãe Oxum
Ogan di belê
Os búzios foram jogados
Ogan di belê
Oià
As cartas foram jogadas
Oià
Minha coroa é de Xangô
Eu vim tocar pra mãe Oxum
Ogan di belê
O batuque que desarma
O baque é minha alma
A alfazema que exala
É quem manda na sala
Sou do meio
Eu sou do Xangô
No terreiro, aliado do tambor
Que vai contra o sorriso da dor
Brincando no tempo opressor
Os búzios foram jogados
Ogan di belê
As cartas foram jogadas
Ogan di belê
The lyrics to Nação Zumbi's song Ogan Di Belê is an invocation to the spiritual forces of Xangô and Oxum. The first lines refer to the singer's "coroa," which in Afro-Brazilian religions refers to one's crown or spiritual head, and how it is of the orisha deity Xangô. The singer then says they have come to play music for the orisha Oxum, who is associated with love, beauty, and fertility. The refrain "Ogan di belê" is a traditional chant used in Afro-Brazilian religious rituals, which refers to the person who plays the atabaque, which is a hand drum used in these rituals.
The next lines describe how the oracles were consulted through the throwing of the "búzios" or shells, and the reading of the "cartas" or cards. These divination practices are common in Afro-Brazilian religions and are used to communicate with the spirits and gain insights into one's life path. The singer emphasizes their connection to Xangô and the atabaque, saying that the rhythm of the drum is their soul, and the scent of "alfazema" or lavender that fills the air is the guiding force in the ritual space.
The song overall is a celebration of Afro-Brazilian religious practices and their importance in navigating and resisting the oppressive forces of society. The use of traditional chants and references to the orishas reinforces the idea that these practices have deep roots in Brazilian culture and should be respected and preserved.
Line by Line Meaning
Oià
A greeting or salutation used in Afro-Brazilian traditions
Minha coroa é de Xangô
I am a follower of the Orisha Xangô, known for justice and thunder, and I wear his sacred crown
Eu vim tocar pra mãe Oxum
I have come to play music for the Orisha Oxum, known for love, beauty, and fertility
Ogan di belê
This is a chant often used in Afro-Brazilian religious ceremonies, signaling the start of a drumming rhythm
Os búzios foram jogados
Cowry shells have been cast to read the future or determine the course of action
As cartas foram jogadas
Tarot cards or other divination tools have been used to gain insight into a situation
O batuque que desarma
The rhythm of the drums disarms negative energies and opens the way for positive forces
O baque é minha alma
The beat of the drums is my soul, the essence of my being
A alfazema que exala
The fragrance of lavender fills the air, a sign of spiritual purity and protection
É quem manda na sala
The spirits who have been summoned have taken control of the room
Sou do meio
I am a member of the religious community, inspired by African traditions and influenced by Brazilian culture
Eu sou do Xangô
I identify with the Orisha Xangô, and I am dedicated to his principles and practices
No terreiro, aliado do tambor
In the sacred space of the temple, I am a supporter of the drummers, who create the rhythms that guide the ceremony
Que vai contra o sorriso da dor
We resist the forces of suffering and pain, which are ever-present in the world
Brincando no tempo opressor
We play, we dance, we sing, as a way of coping with the struggles and injustices of life
Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Márcio Oliveira
Essa música é foda uma pérola
Smith Ribeiro
"Os búzios já foram jogados ogan di bele... as cartas já foram jogadas ogan di bele..."
limo rfl
"O batuque que desarma..o baque é minha alma"
Fabriccio
Os búzios foram jogados, Ogan di beleeeeee ✨✨✨
Smith Ribeiro
"Essa corôa é de changô , quem vai cantar pra mãe ochúm, ogan di bele"
Epoluizferreira Luiz
Do caralho nação é foda
André Eduardo
Sofisticação!
Hellber Santana
acende e chamaaah!
MIROMA ONIBLAH
🤴🏿
Weeferson Batista
Whow...