Purchase/stream the album: smarturl.it/rw14 More about Geoffrey: realworldrecor... 'Makambo' is taken from Geoffrey's album "Exile", originally released in 1990 and is available on re-issued 180g vinyl, CD, and digital.
Makambo is taken from lingala, a language spoken in Congo-Brazza and Kinshasa by Bantu people and that has strange common resonance with Zulu sometimes. Lingala is very emotional, a very poetic language where few words say it all and this is exactly what Geoffrey Oryema does, here. Hardly translatable. That said, the song is a lament from someone who is sad because people are gossiping about him and badmouthing him (a common human, destructive exercize). He feels heaviness in his heart: he has a lot of problems (makambo), he is all his problems. So for the lingala part, here are the lyrics: Oh ngai na makambo eh → Oh, I am deep in trouble Ngai na makambo eh → I am deep in trouble Likambo na motema → There's a problem in my heart Songui-songui bandeko → People keep badmouthing me, my friends RIP Geoffrey Oryema and thank you for this beautiful piece. Kende malamu (means "May you go in peace" in lingala)
Thanks so much @Murielle Mobengo.. I used to wonder what the Lingala part meant. I am an Acoli so I will add the translation for the Acoli part.. Lutuwa wun wuwek lweny ---- > My people stop fighting Wun wupara ki leb Acoli ba lutuwa ------> You worried about me in Acholi language Wun wupara ki leb Munu ba lutuwa -----> You worried about me in using the white man's (munu) language (leb) Lutuwa lutuwa lutuwa ..... ---------> My people, my people my people It is worth noting that Mr. Oryema had to flee the country to exile at such a very young age, Only God knows the problem he went through knowing your father was murdered and now you in a foreign land, only God knows how tough those times was, our people could not do anything to save him, they only could worry and hope God would keep him. This is why he says his people worried about him in Acoli language and also the white man's language. Mr. Geoffrey Oryema is also telling his people to stop fighting, stop fighting.. because during this time, Northern Uganda was undergoing war (rebellion) that turned to the killings of local people and most of the people involved in this killing were fellow tribes men. The Acoli culture has alot in common with what you have said about Lingala.. The tone of how a word is sang and emphasized makes it very important with emotions and cut deeper into the soul.. Most of the world's problems can't be well articulated, they can only be felt.. And music is the way we can save the emotions that can speak to generations across time and space.
Thanks both of you for your translations - I’ve been asking people for years but my understanding was it was Alcoli! Such a beautiful song, and such a talent.
Tonight I accidentally found this song, it's late and everybody is sleeping. It's just me and the moon enjoying this moment which will pass and forever fade away, since it can't be never again repeated in the same way. Greetings from Serbia
Hold those moments inside your heart, hold them tight. I can imagine such an interlude, we never want them to pass, do we? Your post is beautiful, I'm glad I happened to see it. By fate or happenstance, I am grateful. Greetings from Oregon, United States. 💕
The dad of Geofrey Oryema was called Eronayo Oryema, he was the first Inspector General of Police in a post independence Uganda. He was murdered by dictator Idi Amin. My dad was his driver. That is how he ended up in exile in the1970s in France where he lived until his death.
When you hear real music created by a true artist, it puts everything on hold. The world freezes, time slows to a drift, and you are captivated. The singer's voice breathes life into your lungs, the strings play your soul, and the drums beat the pulse of your heart. It's like finding your way back home when you didn't even know that you had been lost.
This is so immensely powerful. I was listening to it while driving and just started to cry. I have no understanding of the language being spoken, but it reached to something deep within my soul and brought some unspoken grief to the surface. So powerful….thank you for this gift.
I wish I could like this 1000 times. I heard this song years ago when the movie came out, might have even had the soundtrack and it touched me even then as a 20 year old with no cares in the world. In the 23 years since I haven't once thought about it, but today I came across it and it unearthed an amazing amount of emotion. So much Ive gained and lost over those years. In the next few days I have a few scans for something that might be very bad, and Im scared. This song made those emotions uncontrollable.
It's basically luo input into the genre,trying to tell the pple to stop fighting😊,the thoughts of his people missing him in a language which is acholi and English,the fact is that he integrated several languages from different originations 😅,another soul to rest in power
Oryema wrote (inside the Vinyl, or theCD I guess) : "This song relates the pain that people go through when left with no other choice but to leave their motherland." Powerful
That's there was a time when there was war in our matherland. Many people died, he said lutuwa wun oweke lweny. Meaning people of my land stop fighting
Reading this comment makes me want to cry. You have to leave your home and your country for your own wellbeing, but it hurts because home will always be home.
That made me cry. At least, that got people out of their comfort zones, and gave people a reason to stand up for freedom and peace and whatnot. But it does make me sad to think of any race being pushed out of their own land, harmed or enslaved. It's time to make a hugemungus change, unity is coming! It IS already here!!! I don't care how far away it seems or if others think that it is impossible. Because TO ME it's possible!!! I kove you all so much. Eternal blessings and I hope you're haivng a very memorable and exciting or even an even keel and nonchalant sort of a experience. Enjoy yourself no matter what stage in life you are in. You are beautiful, unqiue and strong everyone!!! ✌🌎 ♥
Here's a rough translation I found in case anyone besides me was looking: I've been asking for Peace But all I got was war I've been looking for love But I didn't find togetherness What is wrong with the world? What is wrong with the people? Why don't we want peace? ...
O na ma kanguwe O na ma kanguwe O na ma kanguwe Ni na ma kanguwe U lu pa la ki lé ba tu li ba lu kuwa Lu kuwa Lu kuwa u lu we (we) Lu kuwa u lu we (we) O na ma kanguwe Hié ééé Ni na ma kanguwe (ééé) O na ma kanguwe Hié ééé Ni na ma kanguwe U lu pa la ki lé ba tu li ba (lu kuwa) x 21 O na ma kanguwe Ni na ma kanguwe Zandi zanbi ba lé koé Ni na ma kanguwe iééé O na ma kanguwe U lu pa la ki lé ba tu li ba lu kuwa Lu kuwaaa Lu kuwa u lu we (we) Lu kuwa u lu we (we) O na ma kanguwe Ni na ma kanguwe (ééé) Ni na ma kanguwe (ééé) U lu pa la ki lé u lu pa lu kuwa U lu pa la ki lé ba tu li ba lu kuwa Lu kuwaaa Lu kuwa u lu we (we) (lu kuwa) x 21 O na ma kanguweééé Ni na ma kanguweééé O na ma kanguwe Ni na motema U lu pa la ki lé u lu pa lu kuwa Lu kuwa Lu kuwaaa Lu kuwaaaaa uenluwe O na ma kanguweééé Zandi zanbi ba lé koé Dé kambo la motene Ni na motema U lu pa la ki lé u lu pa lu kuwa Ni na ma kanguwe
All of a sudden, you can speak to the worms as they eat your body in the grave, you can hear the soil cry, you can hear the wind sing, the moon call you to the heavens. You are now a part of the universe that you came from. (That is what this somg does to me)
I heard this song on an African music playlist, it was the first one, and I felt a mixture of peace and sadness at the same time without understand the lyrics, it seemed like a prayer for me, and I went to find out what it said, and now I'm even more passionate about this song. This song sends its message without you understanding the lyrics, very intense and deep. Listening from Brazil!
To everyone seeking refugee from our day to day disappointments and frustrations.. To everyone that wraps their bodies in their own arms seeking comfort from loneliness.. To star gazers.. To whoever still believe that even though life is hell but there’s always glimpses of joy and hope. Hang in there one day we all shall be united.
Triste nouvelle sur la disparition de Geoffrey Oryema qui était devenu Breton de cœur dans le pays de Lorient .Un grand musicien Africain vient de nous quitter .Mais tu resteras toujours dans nos cœurs en compagnie de tes superbes chansons . Kenavo Geoffrey !
C est une immense peine que de le savoir parti. Je l ai vue en concert à Toulouse et à graulhet dans le Tarn pour la fête de la musique.. Heureusement, nous avons les CD. De ce fait. Il est toujours là avec nous par ses chansons, sa musique que j écoute en boucle. . 😔. Mike.
As a Ugandan who only recently discovered the beauty of African classical music you can forgive me for not knowing this powerful soul. We are forever indebted to you Mr Oryema. Thank you for sharing the soul of Africa to the World
wow, merci beaucoup Geoffrey, d'où tu es désormais, pour nous avoir laissé ça, pour cette merveilleuse musique éthérée, et ta magnifique voix si relaxante, cette prière, ça me fait du bien et apaise mon âme... Amour et Paix.
Wow, i've listen to this song like 20 years ago. My dad played it on his car. From that moment I've tried to find it on all platforms. Once or twice in a year I whould search this song without sucess until today! I'm so glad that I was able to find it so I can listen at least one more time! Such a peace... Such a music.
I haven’t heard this song since the late 90s. I had it on a New Age CD and fell in love it, and it has stood the test of time. just feeling the music like so many others on this comment thread. This song makes this grey rainy day in Orlando even better:)
The skin of my entire body experienced waves of goosebumps each time his voice spoke, feeling like billions of little sparkling stars on the surface of each skin cell. Transcendent.
I firstly heard this song few years ago. Here, in the Czech Republic, I went to Mokoomba concert. They were performing in the quite small town in the north. I went alone, I was curious, because I didn't know who they were. Except their own songs, which were absolutely outstanding, they played this song too. I didn't know it wasn't their song, but that was the only time I heard a soul. It has a huge effect on me. I couldn't even speak the language but it was the last thing that mattered. I just listen to the music, close my eyes and left the music went through my veins. I felt like I was in heaven and hell at the same moment trying to rescue myself, trying to fight my demons. Then I totally forgot this song exists. Nowadays, several years later, I felt like I needed to listen to african music, I love it and it calms me and I needed some mix to study. I randomly picked one, and the first song which came out, was this one. And suddenly I feel like I just need to relax, slow down and remind myself who I am, who we are, where we came from and what life means. This is what this song means to me. A reminder that we are all the same, we all are human beings, we all deserve love, peace and life.
To all of you, writing a song, singing a sweet melody, filming a movie, dancing, designing universes, I want to say thank you, because in a world where there are people who want to destroy everything, who want to grab all they can at all cost, you are the difference, you plant the seed of hope over the world!
I can't begin to explain how deep the mushroom experience can get listening to this by a fire, but thank you to the creator for some unforgettable times
I met his niece after first listening to his music. I met her in Miami, she's a model, and not knowing they're related, I looked at her and played this song. She immediately started crying and asked her if I should maybe stop the song and she said no. People in Amerikkka hardly plays her uncle's song and it's so shocking to hear. Beautiful, but shocking. Then she showed me photos of them together, said he's a beautiful man. That whole night was beautiful 🌹
I heard it once, then twice on Radio Paradise. Was immediately drawn to it and searched for it because that softly vibrating voice reached my soul. Geoffrey Oryema will count as one of my favorite voices in world music!
Hahaha... I first heard it on the "pure moods" cd...One of the compilation cds they used to put out on tv . But heard it again when I watched Bedazzled the other day. Great song....and horrible movie...except for how HOT Elizabeth Hurley looks throughout the movie, These are the cookies my grandma used to make.
Don't know the language but always amazed my mom's when I used to do it acapella with my little bro... 20 yr plus. Life was more appreciated and simple. Music was life.
I came across this song on the Pure Moods CD 25 years ago. Out of all the songs, this one stood out to me. I listened to it like a lullaby when I would fall asleep at night. It is achingly beautiful, and even though I don’t know what he’s saying, I can feel the emotion in his voice. I’m sad to hear he has passed on - I hope he knew how many people he touched with his music.
Wow, so did I around the same time as you! Being a kid back then, I didn't understand the language (what kind and meaning) but I low-key liked the track. Now that I'm older, I find this song more beautiful.
Heard that music first time in my life 20 years ago.. tried to find all my life never found it.. was passing by the living room and it was playing on a movie on the TV.. man i even cried.. dont know why but that song marked my childhood .. yEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
After 3 years ago I came back to listen to this song, every time when I listened to it I realized that nothing is wrong and just me and myself fighting I hope you guys understood i feel free but unfortunately with pandemic 2020 I hope life comes as it was. #freeyourmindandcleanyoursoul from Morocco 🇲🇦🇲🇦
I heard this song at the end of the movie Bedazzled after Brendan Frasers character goes to jail. I always loved the guitar it's so sad and pretty at the same time.
I’ve been searching for this song for 20 years .. then I attended a yoga class my daughter was giving and she puts this song on during the class.. through my daughter I found it again. It’s a beautiful soothing late night song. The next African songs I need to find are 90s African music with rain playing in the background. Still can’t find it.
excelente melodía, cuando la adversidad esta presente en tu vida, es cuando los sentidos se afinan. en la cima de la montaña podemos ver la grandeza de la vida, brota el amor por nuestra tierra ..quisiera que este sentimiento no tuviera fin. pero hasta la muerte hace parte de la perfección. descansa Geoffrey, vuelve a ver tu querida tierra desde lo mas alto en eterna paz...
I cannot complete a single session of painting at night without hearing this song a few times for inspiration. I thank the voice that provides me with clarity and peace. I also thank the tranquility and the reality that everything may not be perfect, but brief moments of happiness keep me going. Thank you ♥️♥️
Back in the day I would randomly download songs that showed up at my searches. I'm so glad I did, as it really helped me discover treasures like this one, that I would otherwise have no chance to. I was captivated by the first seconds! So sad he is gone :(
Durante muchos años pensé que esta canción era solo un fondo instrumental de una escena en la película "Al diablo con el diablo"; siempre me fascinó por la paz, la calma y la resiliencia que transmite ese arpegio, pero ahora vengo a saber, gracias a Shazam, que es una canción real y me encanta poder tenerla disponible para apaciguar mi alma cuando lo necesite.
Heard Geoffrey at WOMAD years ago. It was a a beautiful sunny afternoon and just laid on the grass listening to this sublime music. Wonderful. Nothing else to say - just listen.
This song is beautiful. I have to really struggle to look for beautiful meaning full music. Radio stations and promoters are under performing in this East Africa of ours. RIP Geoffrey
I believe this is a rough translation of Geoffrey's song, written as he escaped war in Uganda: "I've been asking for Peace But all I got was war I've been looking for love But I didn't find togetherness What is wrong with the world? What is wrong with the people? Why don't we want peace?"
i heard this song on a Charliz Theron movie(The last Face), i decide to look for it because it is a hit. I proud to be African when such music plays............
25 years ago, my dad used to play this song for me to help me fall asleep, now my 2 year old listens to it to fall asleep. This song is so special to my family.
I stumbled upon this song just some days ago, what a find! I am amazed. So calming, but also so sad once you read about its origins. Can't wait to take this song with me into the wilderness, and listening to it while being snuggled into my sleeping back and glaring at the stars.
The movie "Bedazzled" brought me here.. Actually I am a big fan of Elizabeth Hurley. Been watching that bedazzled movie and closer to the end of it, i was surprized why haven't I searched for the creator of this song for such a long time? I feel like i will look for african singers now and start following their music. Thank you Geoffrey Oryema for this masterpiece!
