Àfrica
Vivalda Dula Lyrics

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[Chorus]
Etu tuanda ku tambula conta Africa. (Aftrica, we'll take care of you )
Balumukenu, balumukenu. (rise up)

[Verse 1]
I can see the world breaking down at my feet.
I can feel my heart chasing down my beat,
And I hear Onile say Hi!

Near me the green turns blue and light.
Near me my sight overcome my light
Then I hear Onile and Gaia say rise up.

[Chorus]
Africa...
Balumukenu, balumukenu (rise up)
Africa
Etu tuanda ku tambula conta Africa. (Aftrica, we'll take care of you )
Balumukenu, balumukenu (rise up)

[Verse 2]
Diamond skin they call me, and I don't know why.
Drums beats run my soul, and I'm feeling so high;
My eyes open; Onile and Gaia say rise up.

[Chorus]
Africa...
Balumukenu, balumukenu. (rise up)
Africa
Etu tuanda ku tambula conta Africa. (Aftrica, we'll take care of you )
Balumukenu, balumukenu. (rise up)

[Bridge]
Tussangenu ngana tu bekele o ngoma yetu.
Tussangenu ngana tu bekele o ngoma yetu... ooohhhh.
(We welcome you, so bring your drum and celebrate with us)

[Repeat Chorus]

Overall Meaning

In Vivalda Dula's song "Africa," the lyrics call for unity and strength in the face of adversity. The chorus repeats the words "balumukenu" or "rise up," indicating the need for action and agency in the African community. The lyrics also speak to a deep connection with the land, with mentions of Onile, the Yoruba goddess of the earth, and Gaia, the Greek personification of the Earth.

In the first verse, the singer describes feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders and the urgency to take action. The imagery of the green turning blue and the sight overcoming light may represent a change in perspective or a call to action despite potential obstacles. In the second verse, the singer embraces their identity, described as "diamond skin," and the power of music or drum beats in uplifting the soul.

The bridge of the song translates to "We welcome you, so bring your drum and celebrate with us," emphasizing the importance of community and sharing in cultural traditions.

Overall, "Africa" by Vivalda Dula is a call to action and celebration of African heritage and identity.

Line by Line Meaning

Etu tuanda ku tambula conta Africa.
We will take care of Africa and travel to see all its beauty.

Balumukenu, balumukenu.
Rise up and stand strong against oppression.

I can see the world breaking down at my feet.
I am aware of the devastating impact of human activity and greed on the environment.

I can feel my heart chasing down my beat,
I feel a strong connection to my African roots and the rhythm that runs through me.

And I hear Onile say Hi!
I am listening to the voice of the earth and its spirit, Onile.

Near me the green turns blue and light.
I am seeing the degradation of nature and the impact of human actions on the environment.

Near me my sight overcome my light
I am aware of the challenges Africa faces but I also see the potential for growth and development.

Then I hear Onile and Gaia say rise up.
The spirits of the earth and nature are calling for a collective effort to overcome the challenges facing Africa.

Diamond skin they call me, and I don't know why.
I am proud of my African heritage but I am puzzled by the labels and stereotypes others assign me.

Drums beats run my soul, and I'm feeling so high;
The rhythm of African music lifts my spirits and fills me with joy.

My eyes open; Onile and Gaia say rise up.
I am seeing the world as it is and I am hearing the call of nature and the earth to take action.

Tussangenu ngana tu bekele o ngoma yetu.
We welcome you to celebrate with us by bringing your drums and joining in the rhythm of Africa.

Tussangenu ngana tu bekele o ngoma yetu... ooohhhh.
We welcome you to celebrate with us by bringing your drums and joining in the rhythm of Africa.

Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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