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Ilala

from Masauko by Masauko

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    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.

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about

Ilala- This is a song that comes from an old Malawian traditional wedding song. It says we are going on a ship. For me, this ship is taking us on a mystical voyage to the place of the ancestors. In that place all those men and women who fought for the liberation are still alive and hoping we will finish the story by liberating Africa. I call the names of those ancestors and claim them. This song is to let them know we young Africans are married to their struggle and will continue it.

lyrics

Ilala

(Traditional melody with music and additional lyrics by Masauko)

Takwera ilala, ilala,ilala
(We are going on a ship)
Takwera ilala iye
(Chorus)

Wa ife, wa ife, wa ife
(He is ours)
ngati Chipembere, a-Chipembere
(like Chipembere)

(Chorus)

Wa ife, wa ife, wa ife
(He is ours)

Ngati Ortin Chirwa, ngati a-Chiume,
(like Ortin Chirwa and Chiume)

ngati a-Chisiza, ngati John Chilembwe
(like Chisiza and Chilembwe)

(Chorus)

My family was forced to flee Malawi by ship into exile before I was born. The ancestors whose names are called here all suffered for the liberation of Malawi. Many of them also had to flee for their lives. With this song I am claiming them, naming them and thanking them.

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

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