Qkumba Zoo is a dance music trio from Johannesbu… Read Full Bio ↴www.qkumbazoo.co.za
Qkumba Zoo is a dance music trio from Johannesburg, South Africa, consisting of vocalist Levannah, dancer/sculptor Tziki and producer Owl.
Their first album, Wake Up & Dream, was a unique break into the music scene in 1996, featuring 11 tracks of feel-good dance music. The songs provided an enjoyable listening experience, with Owl's mix of sounds and beats backing up Levannah's incredible voice. Their song "The Child (Inside)" hit #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in 1996 and #69 on the Hot 100. Recently the track has been used in several US television commercials, the most popular being from Seaworld amusement parks. Wake Up & Dream also reflected the band's strong feelings in supporting anti-apartheid, shown in the song Weeping. The trio, like many others in South Africa, struggled with being white in a nation torn apart by racism.
Several years after the album's release, band member Tziki committed suicide. This was one of the catalysts that changed Owl and Levannah over the next several years, which can be heard in the music of their second album, Butterfly Peepl, released in 2000. In addition to the album's release, the band's name was officially shortened from Qkumba Zoo to QZoo. The group also left Arista in favor of their own independent label, Zoocumba Music.
While Wake Up & Dream did not have as big an impact on the music scene as was hoped, Butterfly Peepl was barely noticed at all. Even most fans weren't lucky enough to grab a copy when QZoo's official site still existed. However, the second album musically surpassed the first one, showing the true potential of Owl's songwriting. The music seemed to mature beyond Wake Up & Dream, and in QZoo terms, one could say that they had finally hatched from the coccoon.
In 2001, long after their domain had disappeared, QZoo popped up on a new website under the name Innaskinz. The band still consisted of Owl and Levannah, who were now paired with a woman named Cajun. The site promoted the band and its history, as well as Owl personally running a mailing list. Lyrics for a new song, Rise Up Against the Tide, appeared on the main page for a brief while.
Innaskinz seems to be the last sighting of the band, for not long after, the new site disappeared as well, and the band cut off email communication with its fans, vanishing back into the darkness of Africa. There is no doubt that such magical musicians are still creating music in some way, shape, or form, but outside of South Africa, they now remain a mystery.
DNA
Qkumba Zoo Lyrics
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Quick fix pollution in her rivers and seas like too many drugs in her veins
So you got lost in the desert with your
Two little strands of caterpillar DNA
What you gonna do about it?
Do you believe there's anything you can do about it?
They say it's human nature...
12 strands of double DNA, umda-de-um-dey-ah-dey-ah
12 strands of DNA
(Is today gonna be like yesterday?)
12 strands of double DNA
(Who's to choose who's defining human nature?)
So I think I'd rather like to smell as well as hear the roses grow
Taste the lightning, dance the colours of the wind like a forest in flow
Or we could dance in the desert
I could kiss the tingle in your fingertips
You could tell me I'm beautiful, I could say...
I could look at you and say:
"You have become an angel...butterfly angel."
12 strands of DNA
(Is today gonna be like yesterday?)
12 strands of double DNA
(Is tomorrow gonna be like today?)
12 strands of DNA
(Is tomorrow gonna be something new?)
12 strands of double DNA
(What you gonna choose?)
Whose sun is this that's beating down from such an unforgiving sky
Why should I spend my time feeling like a bad excuse
Just because I'm human?
So are you
You wanna try something new (It's in the DNA)
It's gonna happen anyway (It's in the DNA)
Because it's human nature to be a butterfly
12 strands of DNA
(Is today gonna be like yesterday?)
12 strands of double DNA
(Is tomorrow gonna be like today?)
12 strands of DNA
(What you gonna choose, what you gonna choose?)
12 strands of double DNA
(Is tomorrow gonna be something new?)
Umda-de-um-dey-ah-dey-ah
12 strands of DNA
(Silver drops of the first spring rain)
12 strands of double DNA
(How much closer to infinity do you wanna play?)
12 strands of DNA
(Dew drops after the midnight rains)
12 strands of double DNA
(Spiderweb diamonds in a dancing spiral)
The lyrics of Qkumba Zoo's song DNA contain a powerful environmental message while also exploring human nature and the desire for personal growth and change. The opening lines describe the Earth as an "asthmatic crack addict" struggling to breathe due to pollution in its waters and atmosphere. The use of vivid imagery and metaphor highlights the urgent need for action in protecting the planet. The lyrics then shift focus to the individual, asking what they can do to make a difference in the world, and encouraging personal growth and change.
The repetition of the phrase "12 strands of DNA" acts as a thematic motif throughout the song, referring to the idea that humans possess a hidden potential and ability for growth beyond our current limitations. The chorus suggests that change is inevitable, and that individuals have the power to choose how they want to evolve and transform. The final lines of the song describe the beauty and potential found in nature, and encourage the listener to embrace their own metamorphosis and become a "butterfly angel."
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of urgency and action in response to environmental concerns while also emphasizing the importance of individual growth and transformation. The use of poetic language and repetition adds depth and power to the message, inviting the listener to reflect on their own potential and the role they can play in shaping the future.
Line by Line Meaning
So they say the Earth is breathing like an asthmatic crack addict
According to some, the Earth is experiencing rapid breathing similar to an asthmatic addict due to the excessive pollution in her rivers and seas like drugs clogging her veins.
So you got lost in the desert with your Two little strands of caterpillar DNA
Even though you feel lost and insignificant with your limited DNA strands, there is still hope for change and growth.
What you gonna do about it?
The question arises on what actions one is willing to take regarding the environmental issues.
Do you believe there's anything you can do about it?
The need to understand and acknowledge that there are solutions to the existing problems and the motivation to initiate action to create a positive impact.
They say it's human nature...
The concept of human nature comes into play and it is suggested that humans have an inherent tendency to explore, evolve and change.
12 strands of DNA, umda-de-um-dey-ah-dey-ah
The significance and complexity of DNA structure is highlighted and celebrated in an upbeat manner.
12 strands of double DNA, umda-de-um-dey-ah-dey-ah
The repeating statement reinforces the notion that there is a lot more to explore and discover in the realm of DNA.
(Is today gonna be like yesterday?)
A recurring question that emphasizes the idea of constant change and unpredictability in life.
(Who's to choose who's defining human nature?)
The question arises as to who has the power to decide and define human nature and its implications.
So I think I'd rather like to smell as well as hear the roses grow
The importance of relishing every moment and experiencing the beauty of life in all aspects, be it the visible or the abstract.
Taste the lightning, dance the colours of the wind like a forest in flow
An invitation to explore and appreciate the world around us in all its glory through our senses.
Or we could dance in the desert
An imaginative suggestion to enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape and all it offers.
I could kiss the tingle in your fingertips
An expression of affection and the need to cherish every moment of human connection.
You could tell me I'm beautiful, I could say...
The exchange of compliments and meaningful conversations reflecting the beauty of human interaction.
I could look at you and say: "You have become an angel...butterfly angel."
A symbolic reference to the transformation and growth of the human spirit, which reflects the endless possibilities of human nature.
(It's in the DNA)
The line suggests that the process of growth and change is inherent and programmed within the human DNA.
(It's gonna happen anyway)
Regardless of our individual choices, the cycle of change and progress will continue to occur.
Because it's human nature to be a butterfly
The central idea of the song that highlights the natural tendency of human beings to explore, transform and evolve.
(Whose sun is this that's beating down from such an unforgiving sky)
Questioning the events around us and how they shape our experiences, and highlighting how some events can seem harsh and unforgiving.
Why should I spend my time feeling like a bad excuse
Challenging the notion that humans are inherently flawed and insignficant, and encouraging self-confidence and self-esteem.
Just because I'm human?
Questioning the stereotypical view of humans and their supposed limitations.
You wanna try something new
The need to be experimental and embrace change and challenges to unlock the full potential of human capability.
Because it's human nature to be a butterfly
Reiterating the underlying belief that human beings are innately destined for growth and transformation.
(Silver drops of the first spring rain)
A vivid and sensory representation of a basic natural phenomenon that encompasses the essence of the beauty of nature.
(How much closer to infinity do you wanna play?)
An invitation to explore the limitless possibilities of the world around us and how we can contribute towards the greater good.
(Dew drops after the midnight rains)
An image of natural phenomena that can be seen and celebrated as part of the beauty of creation.
(Spiderweb diamonds in a dancing spiral)
A complex yet ethereal image that reflects the delicate and intricate nature of life, symbolizing the beauty of the world and its intricate part within it.
Contributed by Andrew F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.