We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Chilembwe

from Masauko by Masauko

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1.50 USD  or more

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    In the age of speed and convenience there is a longing for connection and the ritual of listening to music on vinyl honors that.

    With that in mind, Masauko has been produced on 180g black vinyl providing the ultimate auditory experience while being packaged in a high quality sleeve that frames the depth and beauty of this record's original art and message.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Masauko via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      $35 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    This beautiful album from Masauko has been produced and packed with love in an amazing casing of grace that accentuates the spirit of this moving record. From all original artwork and inspired messaging from Masauko himself, this intentional record will connect with you in the physical and beyond.

    Limited first runs are available for preorder now, don't miss out!

    Includes unlimited streaming of Masauko via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      $15 USD or more 

     

about

Chilembwe- This is a song dedicated to Malawian hero, John Chilembwe. In 1915, he led the first small rebellion against the British who were working people like slaves in Nyasaland which was the British colonial name for Malawi. His rebellion was considered a failure because he was captured and killed. However, Chilembwe never intended to defeat the British. His goal was to show the African people that eventually they'd have to fight and even be willing to lose their lives if they really intended to be free. Chilembwe was inspired by John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry in the USA. John Chilembwe had spent time in Virginia in the early 1900s studying religion. There he learned about the cruelties of slavery and began to understand that this sort of system was the kind of thing the British intended to impose on his Malawian people. Like John Brown, he chose to, "strike a blow and die." Both men chose to face death in the name of black liberation. One white man, one black man, two souls unwilling to live in a world where one group of humans enslaves another.

lyrics

Chilembwe
(By Masauko and Mongezi Ntaka)

Who will start this fire
Who will burn your big house down
Raise the spirit higher
Bring this empire to the ground

Hey Chilembwe
John Chilembwe
Wa Chilembwe
We gonna strike a blow for Africa anyway
(Chorus)

Who will stir this rage
Break the locks on our mental cages
Take the devil's head
and make the devil dead

(Chorus)

Don't go mentioning freedom
without mentioning his name
Don't go mentioning freedom so
Africa would never be the same without

(Chorus)

Who will start this fire
Raise the flames of the people's desire

(Chorus)

credits

from Masauko, released June 16, 2019

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Masauko Costa Rica

Masauko is Malawian-American singer/songwriter, born in Los Angeles while his parents were in political exile. His music is a bridge between his African past and his American present. His primary instruments are the acoustic guitar and the voice. His music has allowed him to work in Los Angeles, South Africa, Malawi, New York and currently Costa Rica.

His new LP is called Masauko.
... more

contact / help

Contact Masauko

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Report this track or account

If you like Masauko, you may also like: