There’s no doubt that there’s a … Read Full Bio ↴NAOMI WACHIRA, Kenya, living in Seattle
There’s no doubt that there’s a better future in store for Naomi, especially after her great breakout year in 2013. Named the Best Folk Singer in Seattle by alt publication Seattle Weekly and featured on their cover, Naomi became the toast of the town, which in turn led to a friendship with the much-loved indie songwriter Damien Jurado, who came onboard to produce this album. Other key collaborators that Naomi brought in, renowned Seattle bassist Evan Flory-Barnes, cellist Natalie Hall (Macklemore), drummer Darren Reynolds (Patrick & The Locomotive), and Latin percussionist Lalo Bello, all brought their own ideas to the accompaniment, guided by Jurado’s desire to keep the music as vibrantly alive as possible. The result is Naomi Wachira’s debut full-length, a portrait of a Kenyan artist at home in the Pacific Northwestern United States.
When you listen to Naomi’s songs, you’ll hear the lifelong influence of two powerful, groundbreaking female songwriters: Miriam Makeba and Tracy Chapman. Makeba became one of the biggest stars on the continent through her socially aware songwriting, something she shared closely with American songwriter Tracy Chapman. Chapman was a voice for social change as well, but Naomi loved her positive idealism, a concept that informs all the songs on Naomi’s album. Makeba’s also a personal icon for Naomi, who cites “the way she carried herself, her grace and character,” as influencers. “She was able to maintain her integrity as an African. She didn’t need to change who she was to fit with Western audiences.” That’s why you won’t hear any stereotypical African music on Naomi’s debut. She’s making music inspired both by the music she discovered in America and the music she grew up with in Kenya, not a Western conception of how African music should sound. The daughter of a Kijabe pastor, Naomi joined the traveling family band at five years old, spreading the good word through gospel song. This explains the beautiful harmonies on her album, for as she says “In my family everyone sang and everyone knew their part. Harmony was second nature for us.” Larger African concepts also play a part in Naomi’s music, like the Zulu idea of Ubuntu. This concept means “I am because we are,” and it’s a community-based worldview that focuses on caring for each other.
This is why the songs on Naomi’s debut album sound so alive. They’re plucked from her own life, powered by her Northwest musical community, and imbued with her own sense of hopefulness. The Seattle Times had a recent photo of Naomi at Seattle’s naturalization ceremony, receiving her American citizenship with tears streaming down her face. It’s a remarkable photo, and a reminder of the distances we often travel to find our dreams.
Stand Up
Naomi Wachira Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
stand up stand up for your sister
stand up for our rights please dont fight against us
let your words be kind let your words be full of life
stop the violence stand up for your sisters
relationships can be complicated we all know that so dont use it as an excuse
The lyrics of Naomi Wachira's song "Stand Up" speak of advocating for the rights of women and preventing violence against them. This can be seen in the lyrics "stand up for your sister, stand up for our rights please don't fight against us." The message seems to be directed towards men, asking them to use their words kindly and refrain from using complications in relationships as an excuse for violent behavior. The repetition of "stand up" throughout the chorus emphasizes the importance of taking action and standing up for what is right.
The lyrics also touch on the complexity of relationships but urge individuals to not let it become an excuse for mistreating others. It points to the fact that while relationships can be difficult, it is important to still treat others with respect and refrain from causing harm.
Overall, the song conveys a strong message of standing up for women's rights and advocating for non-violence. Its impactful message and catchy tune have made it a popular song among those who support gender equality and non-violence.
Line by Line Meaning
ooh oooh
Expressing a feeling of pain or pleasure that cannot be put into words.
stand up stand up for your sister
Encouraging and urging others to take action and support their sisters.
stand up for our rights please dont fight against us
Advocating for equal human rights without using violence or aggression against one another.
let your words be kind let your words be full of life
Speaking with compassion and positive energy to uplift and inspire others.
stop the violence stand up for your sisters
Calling for an end to physical, emotional, and psychological abuse and standing in solidarity with fellow sisters.
relationships can be complicated we all know that so dont use it as an excuse
Acknowledging that relationships can be challenging, but discouraging using difficulties as a justification for mistreating or disrespecting others.
Contributed by Gabriel A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.