Their songs sound rather African (they often use African insturments, like the conga and djembe). The most remarkable thing about Treble is that half their songs are sung in English and the other half in their own 'Treble-language', which they invented because Djem and Niña didn't speak English at the time.
In September of 2003 they released their first single 'Ramaganana', which (after having performed the song in record stores and live on television) peaked at the number one spot of the Dutch charts in January. Following their highly successful 'No Trouble' tour, they released their debut album ('No Trouble') in May of 2004. At the same time their second single ('Magic / Free as a Bird') was released. Although it wasn't as successful as their first single, it was still a minor hit, peaking at #33 in the Dutch charts. Their third single ('Fragile') didn't chart at all.
Their second album is expected to be released in 2006. They also plan to release it in the rest of Europe.
On March 12th 2006 Treble won the Dutch National Songcontest Finals with 72% of the votes with their song "Amambanda". They performed this song on May 18th 2006 at the semi-final of the Eurovision Songcontest in Athens in which they finished 20th.
Eurovision Song Contest 2006 Semi-Final - Athens
Sang in Position: 17
Final Position: 19
Total Points: 22
Amambanda
Treble Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Con galapa con galapei
Con galapa con galapei
Con galapa con galapei elele
Con bitele con bite le leina
Con bitele con bite le leina
There is a way
To understand without a language
Don't be afraid
There are words to find in the place you hide
Speak your mind
And explain yourself today
Amambanda amambanda
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Con galapa con galapei elele
Con galapa con galapei
Con bitele con bite le leina
Con bitele con bite le leina
You're here to stay
So move your body everybody
There's no shame
There are words to find in the place you hide
Know the way
And trust yourself today
Amambanda amambanda
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Amambanda amambanda
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Con goelapoe lei toendaja
Con goelapoe lei toendaja
Maja gwena maja gwena
Maja gwena maja gwena
Lama con goelapoe lei toendaja
Con goelapoe lei toendaja
Lama coe toele toendei
Lama coe toele toendei
Maja gwena maja gwena
Maja gwena maja gwena
Con galapa con galapei
Con galapa con galapei
Con galapa con galapei elele
Con galapa con galapei
Amambanda amambanda
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Amambanda amambanda
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Amambanda amambanda
Amambanda gwena mambanda
Amambanda amambanda
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
The lyrics of Treble's song Amambanda are a description of a celebration of diversity and a call to embrace one's individuality. The chorus repeats the phrase "amambanda gwena mambanda," which roughly translates from South African Zulu to "different but united." The song encourages listeners not to be afraid to express themselves and to seek understanding and connection with others regardless of language barriers or other differences. The verses of the song suggest that there is a way to communicate and convey oneself beyond words, and that one should not hesitate to find and use that way.
The phrase "con galapa con galapei" that performs throughout the song has no specific meaning in Zulu, as the title of the song, but it produces a rhythmic and energetic flow that intensifies the joyful mood of the song. It also adds to the sense that the celebration being described is a communal experience that transcends language and other differences. The lyrics convey a message of inclusion, togetherness, and self-expression that is universal and timeless in its relevance.
Line by Line Meaning
Amambanda amambanda
The repetition of 'amambanda' serves as a reminder to hold onto something tangible and familiar for strength and comfort.
Amambanda gwena mambanda
The mixture of languages highlights the importance of communication far beyond words and how talking with others can bring people of different backgrounds together.
Gwena mamba gwena mamba
Repeating 'gwena mamba' symbolizes the steps people take towards harmony and understanding with others.
Con galapa con galapei
The repetition of 'con galapa con galapei' captures the rhythm of life and how it can be difficult, but steady and forward-moving like a dance.
Con galapa con galapei elele
Adding 'elele' to the end of the phrase emphasizes the importance of living passionately and embracing the beauty of life.
Con bitele con bite le leina
Repurposing similar-sounding words into a phrase encourages being open to different ideas and perspectives even when language is a barrier.
There is a way
The opening phrase inspires hope that there is a path to understanding each other, even in the face of immense difference and adversity.
To understand without a language
Not all communication comes from words; the song suggests that people can connect with each other through gestures, sounds, and body language.
Don't be afraid
Encourages people to be bold and open to new experiences and communication, instead of retreating into a shell for comfort.
There are words to find in the place you hide
People might have a tendency to hold back or be shy, but the song encourages them to express themselves and communicate with others in order to form deeper connections.
Speak your mind
Expressing yourself honestly and openly is key in the search for mutual understanding.
And explain yourself today
The phrase is a reminder to seize the opportunity to communicate and connect with others today, because tomorrow might be too late.
You're here to stay
Everyone has a place in the world and deserves to be embraced and celebrated, despite their differences.
So move your body everybody
Dancing and moving can be a way to express oneself and communicate without words, and to celebrate the joy and beauty of life.
There's no shame
There's no need to feel ashamed of who you are, where you come from, or what language you speak.
Know the way
By embracing the journey towards mutual understanding and connection, people will be able to find the way forward and grow together.
And trust yourself today
Believing in oneself is an important prerequisite to building deeper connections with others and achieving mutual understanding.
Con goelapoe lei toendaja
This phrase builds on the earlier repetition and conveys the idea that life is a dance, and that everyone has a role to play in it.
Maja gwena maja gwena
Repetition of this phrase symbolizes unity and harmony, as well as the joy of building relationships and connections with others.
Lama con goelapoe lei toendaja
Reiterating the idea that everyone has a role to play, and that unity and understanding can be achieved through collective participation.
Coe toele toendei
This phrase suggests that people can connect with others in myriad ways and that there is always a way to reach others, even if it's not immediately apparent.
Contributed by Camilla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.