Zap Mama was founded by Marie Daulne & since the release of "7" (2002), th… Read Full Bio ↴Zap Mama was founded by Marie Daulne & since the release of "7" (2002), the project has evolved into a seven person band, with two backup singers, keyboards, bass, drums & percussion / decks. Additional current members include Nia Saw

As well as her Congolese roots, Daulne's cross-genre style may result from her varied past: Her father, a Belgian, was killed during the revolution while her mother was pregnant with her. The remainder of the family fled to the forests and found refuge with a tribe of pygmies. Daulne was raised primarily in Europe, but when she heard a recording of traditional pygmy music at age 20, she decided to return to Africa to learn about her heritage. She was trained in pygmy onomatopoeic vocal techniques before returning to Europe to found Zap Mama.

Ya Solo
Zap Mama Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

ATCHOUMA gonna hold you
MISTER ATCHOUMA any any way

Comment ça va ?
I ask her
Comment ça va ? SO HAPPINESS
Things have changed
In wonderland

Since Ahmel's camel
Transformed
Into a caravel

I feel this …
As a magical trip
And I want to sing sing … LA … LA … LA … LA

Comment ça va ?
I ask him
Comment ça va ?

IN GANDHI's land
Not all has changed
The incense is consuming
Time's perfume

Time is changing
The 1001 nights
Made 2001 nights
Time is changing LA … LA … LA … LA

I feel this is a magical trip
And I want to sing LA … LA … LA … LA

Comment ça va ?

Citizen from our world
Comment ça va ?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Zap Mama's song Ya Solo seem to be about a magical trip and the changes that come with it. The use of French and references to Wonderland, Ahmel's camel, and Gandhi's land adds to the dreamlike quality of the song. The opening lines, "ATCHOUMA gonna hold you, MISTER ATCHOUMA any any way" could be interpreted as a comforting or protective presence that will provide support on this journey.

The artist then asks "Comment ça va?" or "How are you?" to both a female and male presence, and their response is "SO HAPPINESS" and "IN GANDHI's land not all has changed, the incense is consuming time's perfume", respectively. This suggests that the journey is bringing about positive change and transformation, but there are also elements of the past that remain, as symbolized by the incense in Gandhi's land. The final lines, "Comment ça va? Citizen from our world, Comment ça va?" may invite reflection on one's own state of being and how it relates to the world at large.

Overall, the lyrics of Ya Solo convey a sense of wonder and possibility, as well as a recognition of the complexities and continuities of life. The use of multiple languages and cultural references adds depth and richness to the song, and encourages listeners to interpret and engage with the lyrics in their own way.

Line by Line Meaning

ATCHOUMA gonna hold you
ATCHOUMA is going to embrace you

MISTER ATCHOUMA any any way
MISTER ATCHOUMA any way possible

Comment ça va ?
How are you?

I ask her
I inquire to her well-being

Comment ça va ? SO HAPPINESS
Their response is one of joy and contentment

Things have changed
There have been alterations

In wonderland
In a fantasy realm

Since Ahmel's camel
Since the transformation of Ahmel's camel

Transformed
Changed form

Into a caravel
Into a sailing ship with multiple decks

I feel this …
These events create a sensation within me