Àfrica
Toumani Diabate Ketama and Danny Thompson 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 you for all eternity
And with this wood I beat this drum
And we won't see defeat

From kings to queens becomes a prince
Knowledge wisdom is
Understanding what we need

Ever since the day you came
My whole world began to change
I knew then to dedicate my life
For your own
Everyday I see you grow
And remember what you already know
I receive the love
That radiates from your glow

From which you came was love
And that's how it all should be
You and my soul are I
Though all the time and history





Thank you, thank you

Overall Meaning

The song "Africa" by Toumani Diabate/Ketama/Danny Thompson is a beautiful tribute to Africa and the descendants of the continent who live far away from home. The opening lines speak to the artist's sense of identity and belonging to Africa, even though they are living in a foreign land. The contrast between the singer's skin tone and most of the other inhabitants of their current location represents the vast cultural differences they must navigate. The blood of God is invoked as a metaphorical shield to protect the singer's offspring and ensure their survival into the future. It is a powerful expression of the fierce love and protection that parents feel for their children.


The song also touches on themes of heritage and legacy, as the singer reflects on their own journey and that of their offspring. They recognize the importance of knowledge, wisdom and understanding in preserving culture and history. Across generations and time, the connection between the singer’s soul and their descendent underscores an enduring sense of love and continuity. The song moves between reflection and celebration, honoring the past while looking forward with hope and joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Africa is my descent
My origin is Africa


And here I am far from home
Although I am far away from home, I still hold Africa close to me


I dwell within a land that is meant
I live in a place that was meant for people different from me


For many men not my tone
A land that was not meant for someone like me


The blood of god is my defense
God's protection is upon me


Let it drop down to my seed
May it also protect my children


Showers to your innocence
May it also protect the innocent


To protect you for all eternity
May it provide eternal protection


And with this wood I beat this drum
I use this drum as a means to express myself


And we won't see defeat
Together, we will not be defeated


From kings to queens becomes a prince
Learning leads to growth and empowerment, no matter who you are


Knowledge wisdom is
Knowing and understanding are important


Understanding what we need
Comprehending what is truly important


Ever since the day you came
Since you arrived in my life


My whole world began to change
My life was transformed


I knew then to dedicate my life
I realized then that I should devote my life


For your own
For your benefit and well-being


Everyday I see you grow
Every day I witness your growth


And remember what you already know
I am reminded of how knowledgeable you are


I receive the love
I am grateful for the love


That radiates from your glow
The radiance and love that you emit


From which you came was love
Your origin was love


And that's how it all should be
Love should be at the center of everything


You and my soul are I
You are a part of who I am


Though all the time and history
Despite the passage of time and history


Thank you, thank you
Expressing gratitude




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL D'ANGELO ARCHER, ANGELA STONE, AHMIR K. THOMPSON, LUTHER ARCHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Antonio S.R.

Preciosa fusion. Me encanta esta canción, banda sonora del 7º dia.

Carolina Díaz

Amo! ❤️

Annie Pleah

Tt simplement magnifique!!

Jose Luis Ochoa

Ole mi Sorderita.que bueno...🥰🥰🥰

king pecha

🙏🙏🙏

lucha sigue

ole ..banda final de la pelicula khamsa (francesa) superbe

Más difícil todavía

LOS HERMANOS IZQUIERDO!!!

Mégane Guellec

Je n'arrives pas à avoir les paroles. Quelqu'un les auraient ?

Antonio S.R.

Qui pourrait monter, sur les rails de la lune, prendre le ciel avec mes mains et compter les étoiles une à une.
Rêve qui n'est pas la réalité, je vois un arc-en-ciel tomber entre la terre et le ciel, les étoiles et la lune

crancarenotafish

Que coros mas bonitos y las guitarras...Que palo flamenco se parece mas, sevillanas? Sorderita es mi cantaor favorito en este momento, pero en esta composicion lo hubiera dejado con coros y sin vox principal.

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