Africa
Savuka Lyrics


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Copper sun sinking low
Scatterlings and fugitives
Hooded eyes and weary brows
Seek refuge in the night

They are the scatterlings of Africa
Each uprooted one
On the road to Phelamanga
Where the world began

I love the scatterlings of Africa
Each and every one
In their hearts a burning hunger
Beneath the copper sun

Ancient bones from Olduvai
Echoes of the very first cry
"Who made me here and why
Beneath the copper sun?"

African idea
African idea
Make the future clear
Make the future clear

And we are the scatterlings of Africa
Both you and I
We're on the road to Phelamanga
Beneath the copper sky

And we are the scatterlings of Africa
On a journey to the stars
Far below, we leave forever
Dreams of what we were

We are the scatterlings of Africa
We are the scatterlings of Africa
We are the scatterlings of Africa
We are the scatterlings of Africa





Scatterlings of Africa
Scatterlings of Africa

Overall Meaning

The first verse of the song "Scatterlings of Africa" by SAVUKA paints a picture of individuals seeking refuge and safety under the cover of nightfall. The imagery of "hooded eyes and weary brows" adds a layer of desperation and exhaustion to the scene, indicating that these individuals have been through a lot before arriving at their current location. The chorus of the song celebrates and embraces these individuals, referring to them as "the scatterlings of Africa" who are on a journey to Phelamanga, which is believed to be where the world began. The second verse of the song highlights the idea of ancestry and the interconnectedness of all individuals who identify as being from Africa. It references the ancient bones found in Olduvai and the first cry of humanity, asking questions about the origins of their being "beneath the copper sun."


In the bridge of the song, the phrase "African Idea" is repeated multiple times. This could be interpreted as a call to action for embracing African identity and culture, and using it to create a clear vision for the future. The final verse of the song once again acknowledges that we all are "scatterlings of Africa" on a journey to the ever-expanding universe. The song closes with the repetition of the title phrase "scatterlings of Africa" as a sort of affirmation and celebration of African identity.


Line by Line Meaning

Copper sun sinking low
The sun is setting as the day ends


Scatterlings and fugitives
People who are displaced and seeking refuge


Hooded eyes and weary brows
Tired and wary expressions due to their circumstances


Seek refuge in the night
Finding safety and shelter under cover of darkness


They are the scatterlings of Africa
These people are the ones who have been uprooted from their homes in Africa


Each uprooted one
Every individual has been displaced


On the road to Phelamanga
They are on a journey towards a new destination


Where the world began
Phelamanga is considered the place where humanity began


I love the scatterlings of Africa
The artist has affection for these people


Each and every one
Every individual is valuable


In their hearts a burning hunger
They all have a strong desire for something


Beneath the copper sun
Under the setting sun


Ancient bones from Olduvai
Fossils from the Olduvai Gorge, a famous archaeological site


Echoes of the very first cry
A reference to the beginning of human existence


"Who made me here and why
A question about the purpose of life


Beneath the copper sun?"
Asked while watching the sunset


African idea
A concept originating from Africa


Make the future clear
To create a path for a successful future


And we are the scatterlings of Africa
The singer and listener are also part of this group of people


Both you and I
Both individuals are included


We're on the road to Phelamanga
A shared journey to a new destination


Beneath the copper sky
Under the sunset


On a journey to the stars
Metaphorically traveling towards a higher destiny


Far below, we leave forever
Leaving behind a previous life permanently


Dreams of what we were
Remembering old aspirations but with a new future ahead


We are the scatterlings of Africa
Repeated emphasis on their identity


Scatterlings of Africa
A reminder of their displacement and journey




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT (FRANCE), RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sonnyroy497

Today is June 7, 2023, Johnny would have been 70 years of age today. Rip Johnny Clegg 💜.

@elizabethmcleod246

He had the same birthday as Prince! 💜

@kudacharez4710

I was born too late.... This is the Bulawayo, Zimbabwe I would have loved to know😔, great that he shot a video in Zim. Music knows no colour... Rip Johnny.... Was a pleasure growing up to this...

@testlogin9716

He lived in Zimbabwe during the days South Africa was really experiencing problems. He embraced Africa immensely..it was & still is in him.

Hence the song's name..it carries the meaning.

@czoloman8871

Because at the time this was filmed it was illegal in South Africa for him - Clegg, a white man to associate with his own band - they would have all paid in blood and money - Apartheid was brutal.

@kmayhew2214

RIP Johnny. You saw injustice and tried to make the world a better place - thank you

@TheMarevegwa

I second that. Thank you. We will miss him.

@michaelmalapi4552

I will love him always, may his beautiful soul rest Well, love from 🇳🇦Namibia

@regionalrange3052

He expoilted black people f9r hos own gain....Typicql Whote Men

@cmk1964

And would turn in your grave if you saw SA now.

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