Africa
Salif Kaita Lyrics


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Africa is my descent
and here I am far from home
I dwell within a land that is meant
for many men not my tone
The blood of god is my defense
let it drop down to my seed
showers to your innocence
to protect u for all eternity
and with this wood I beat this drum
and we wont see defeat
From kings to queens becomes a prince
knowledge wisdom is
understanding what we need
Ever since the day u came
my whole world began to change
I knew then to dedicate my life
4 your own
everyday I see u grow
and remember what u already know
I receive the love
that radiates from your glow
From which u came was love
and that's how it all should be




u and my soul are I
though all the time and history

Overall Meaning

In Salif Kaita's song "Africa," he sings about his ancestral descent and how he feels far from his homeland. He speaks of living in a land that is not necessarily meant for him but for many men who are not of his tone. However, Kaita finds comfort in the belief that the blood of god is his defense and will protect his seed for all eternity. He uses a wood drum to create music that will inspire and motivate his people. He believes that knowledge and wisdom are necessary for understanding what they need to move forward as a community.


Kaita recognizes the impact that his child has had on his life, and he dedicates himself to them. He speaks of watching his child grow and constantly learning from them. He believes in the love that radiates from his child's glow, and he believes that the love from which his child came is the way things should be. Kaita believes that he and his child's soul are one, regardless of time or history.


Line by Line Meaning

Africa is my descent
My ancestry and roots are traced back to Africa, a continent with rich cultural history and diversity.


and here I am far from home
Although I am living in a place that is not my native land, Africa remains a vital part of me and my identity.


I dwell within a land that is meant
I inhabit a place where diversity is celebrated, and opportunities are available for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background.


for many men not my tone
Despite the different values and customs, I strive to find my place and voice in this society, where people of various races and cultures live and coexist.


The blood of god is my defense
I have faith in a higher power that protects and guides me through life's challenges and adversities.


let it drop down to my seed
I pray that the grace of God's love and protection also extends to my children and future generations.


showers to your innocence
May divine blessings and grace rain over the innocence and purity of children, safeguarding them from the harsh realities of this world.


to protect u for all eternity
With God's protection, I hope my children will be shielded from harm and guided towards a righteous path for all their life.


and with this wood I beat this drum
In celebration of my heritage and love for Africa, I am expressing myself through the beat of a traditional drum made from wood.


and we wont see defeat
United through music, we can overcome obstacles and challenges, and persevere in the face of adversity.


From kings to queens becomes a prince
Regardless of one's social status or wealth, every human being deserves the dignity and respect that comes with a royal title.


knowledge wisdom is
True power and enlightenment come from a combination of knowledge and wisdom, seeking to understand the world and ourselves better.


understanding what we need
To thrive in a complex society, it is essential to understand what we need as individuals and communities, and work together for the greater good.


Ever since the day u came
Upon the arrival of my child, my life purpose and priorities changed, as I am now dedicated to raising and nurturing this life entrusted to my care.


my whole world began to change
The love and responsibility of parenthood have transformed my perception of the world, and priorities in life.


I knew then to dedicate my life
Upon realizing the significance and joy of parenting, I committed myself to raising my child and providing them with the best life possible.


4 your own
As a parent, my love and sacrifices are solely for the sake of my child and their wellbeing.


everyday I see u grow
Watching my child develop and grow, experiencing milestones and new achievements, fills me with pride and happiness.


and remember what u already know
As a parent, I reflect on my own life experiences and values, imparting them upon my child and reminding them of their worth and potential.


I receive the love
As a parent, I am blessed with the unconditional love of my child, which fills me with joy, sense of purpose, and fulfillment.


that radiates from your glow
The purity, innocence, and beauty within children radiates like a glow, illuminating those around them and providing hope for the future.


From which u came was love
Love is the foundation of our existence, tracing back to the very origin of our creation and being.


and that's how it all should be
To experience true happiness and fulfillment, we must always strive to live in harmony and love, embracing all people and cultures.


u and my soul are I
My love for my child and the bond we share is an inseparable part of my identity, being integral to my very soul and essence.


though all the time and history
Across all time and history, the love and bond between parents and children remain a universal and powerful force, shaping lives and propelling our human species forward.




Contributed by Micah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@shirlinemolani8242

It’s 2024 and I’m listening to this master piece 😍 proud African Woman here from Kenya 🇰🇪 🇰🇪

@alhassanahmedrufai8937

Hello beautiful

@glendaadoons6159

Listening from South Africa, I've always loved this song even though I don't understand the language

@tebellomokupo7370

Joining in the party from Lesotho

@lebothengelane7244

It makes me move my curves as an African woman.... I feel it in my bones.... Im dignified by it... Chocolate skin, full figured, independent and know my worth... Let's dance... 😂😂

@fiveskipasphumzile2668

This never gets old...The whole Afrika approves...SA here, still dancing to tune in 2021 💃💃💃💃💃😍🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

@stivivangadio7712

I couldn't agreed more. U.S.A Citizen from DRC CONGO WEST Kinshasa.

@josephvincentsalanji3475

Yazin pumzile I don't know word of this song but I appreciate the artistry

@zoemoela

Indeed timeless number💕South Africa 🇿🇦

@kingfluenx

Someone explain why this song is not the most viewed video in africa?… you can’t compare africa song with Jerusalem song.. mr salif keita is a true son of the soil , not this zionists dubbed as Africans , Jerusalem? M not from Jerusalem I’m an African

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