After relocating to Hamburg in 2003, Nneka has been working closely with the hip hop beatmaker DJ Farhot. As a young singer she first gained public attention in 2004 while performing as an opening act for dancehall reggae star Sean Paul at Hamburg Stadtpark. After much acclaim, Nneka released her debut EP The Uncomfortable Truth with the music label Yo Mama's Recording Company after which she performed on her first tour with Patrice, playing shows in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
She finished recording her first album in the autumn of 2005. Entitled Victim of Truth. Garnering rave reviews from the media, the UK's Sunday Times later declared it “the year’s most criminally overlooked album”, comparing it favourably to 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'.
In February 2008, she released her second album, No Longer at Ease. The title of the album is taken from a novel of the same name by Chinua Achebe and reflects the lyrical content of the record. Most of the songs are political, talking about the plight of the Niger Delta and the corruption in Nneka’s homeland. “No Longer at Ease” combines the political and the personal in “a winning mix of soul, hip-hop an reggae”. The lead single from it, "Heartbeat", became her first song to break into the German Top 50.
In November 2009, Nneka staged her first concert tour of the United States where she performed shows in New York City, Vienna (Washington DC), Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Furthermore she was a special guest on The Roots Jam session. Her first US release Concrete Jungle was set for 2 February 2010.
Nneka recorded her last album Soul Is Heavy in Nigeria. She also co-founded a charity foundation called the "ROPE foundation" with Genda, Ahmed Nyei from Sierra Leone. She has worked extensively in charity and arts with the foundation in Sierra Leone. Nneka has also worked with Reebok and her track "Shinning" topped global charts in 2013.
Camouflage
Nneka Lyrics
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Watch 'em, watch 'em, catch 'em, catch 'em, oh god
Watch 'em, watch 'em, catch them, catch 'em, oh god
Who you want food, oh god, who you want yam
Everything you do now we don't see before
You ting that we dey play is destined to fail
We no say our battle is spirtual one
(Bible references)
Dey
(They)
Say everything for the tief
(Thief)
What dey for the owner?
(What is there for the owner)
Say the light will not shine without darkness
God say the truth will be revealed
And the world must be seen on revelation day
I'm not supposed to tell you, you no be small peckin'
(I shouldn't have to tell you this you're not a child, you're grown)
If you kill person share the blood on your hand
Watch 'em, watch 'em, catch 'em, catch 'em, oh god
Watch 'em, watch 'em, catch 'em, catch 'em, oh god
You be walking away going astray
Facing the world with a camouflage face
Oh, let them see who you are
Who is to judge when we all dwell in sin
Walking away going, astray
Facing the world with a camouflage face
Oh, let them see who you are
Not one not one Free from within
Now we're free from sin, now we're without blame
But we've chosen to live, to walk in the ways of Jah
(God)
Beware of wolves in sheep, clothing
All those who smile in you're face
And will sell your trust like Judas and Jesus
They will sit by you're table and try to take your place
As you turn your back they'll set you with a man or woman
You must stay alive
You be walking away, going astray
Facing the world with a camouflage face
Oh, let them see who you are
Who is to judge when we all dwell in sin
Walking away going astray
Facing the world with a camouflage face
Oh, let them see who you are
Not one not one Free from within
The song "Camouflage" by Nneka speaks to the idea of being true to oneself and the importance of authenticity. The repetition of "watch 'em, watch 'em, catch 'em, catch 'em, oh god" is a call to action, urging listeners to be vigilant against those who may deceive or try to manipulate them. The chorus emphasizes the need to let others see who you truly are instead of hiding behind a "camouflage face."
The verses also touch on themes of spiritual warfare and accountability. The mention of a "spiritual battle" in "high and low places" suggests that there are forces at work beyond the physical realm that are influencing our actions and decisions. The reference to the Bible (Matthew 7:15) about "wolves in sheep's clothing" and the warning to beware of those who would try to take advantage of us reinforces the theme of being vigilant and discerning.
Overall, "Camouflage" is a powerful anthem that encourages us to stay true to ourselves and resist the pressure to conform or deceive others. It reminds us that authenticity and honesty are crucial for building genuine connections and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Watch 'em, watch 'em, catch 'em, catch 'em, oh god
Observing and apprehending those who are attempting to deceive or harm us, seeking divine intervention.
Who you want food, oh god, who you want yam
Asking for divine provision and protection for ourselves and others.
Everything you do now we don't see before
Recognizing that some people are intentionally hiding their true intentions or actions from us.
You ting that we dey play is destined to fail
Acknowledging that any deception or wrongdoing will ultimately lead to failure.
We no say our battle is spirtual one
Acknowledging that our struggles and conflicts are not purely physical in nature, but include spiritual forces and influences.
Spirtual one in high and low places
Understanding that the spiritual forces and influences are present everywhere, in both heaven and on earth.
Dey
Slang for 'they'
Say everything for the tief
Claiming that those who engage in wrongdoing often receive more benefits than those who behave ethically.
What dey for the owner?
Questioning why those who behave ethically often receive fewer benefits than those who engage in wrongdoing.
Say the light will not shine without darkness
Acknowledging that there must be dark and difficult times in life in order to appreciate the good times and to persevere through challenges.
God say the truth will be revealed
Believing that God will ultimately reveal the truth and bring justice.
And the world must be seen on revelation day
Believing that justice will not be fully served until the end of time, when all will be revealed and judged.
I'm not supposed to tell you, you no be small peckin'
Asserting that the listener is mature enough to handle the truth without being coddled.
If you kill person share the blood on your hand
Insisting that those who commit murder are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
You be walking away going astray
Describing how some people are behaving recklessly or without direction.
Facing the world with a camouflage face
Suggesting that some people are hiding their true selves or intentions from the world.
Oh, let them see who you are
Encouraging people to be honest and authentic, rather than pretending to be someone they're not.
Who is to judge when we all dwell in sin
Reminding that no one is perfect and that everyone struggles with sin.
Not one not one Free from within
Acknowledging that no one is entirely free from sin and that true freedom comes from within, not from external influences.
Now we're free from sin, now we're without blame
Claiming that it is possible to overcome sin and live blameless lives.
But we've chosen to live, to walk in the ways of Jah (God)
Asserting that the path to living a blameless life involves following the teachings of God.
Beware of wolves in sheep, clothing
Warning about people who pretend to be honest and trustworthy, but are actually deceitful and unscrupulous.
All those who smile in you're face
Referring to people who are two-faced or hypocritical.
And will sell your trust like Judas and Jesus
Comparing those who betray trust to biblical figures who were portrayed as traitors: Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, and Jesus, who was betrayed by his own people.
They will sit by you're table and try to take your place
Asserting that unscrupulous people will try to undermine or take over your position or authority.
As you turn your back they'll set you with a man or woman
Claiming that deceitful people will try to turn others against you when you're not present.
You must stay alive
Encouraging listeners to be alert and vigilant in protecting themselves and others from harm.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARCUS NIGSCH, NNEKA-LUCIA EGBUNA, SVEN WAJE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind