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Unsung on the world stage Heroes of the African continent Diverse lingo, diverse souls Capture minds capture hearts Most unappreciated Their rhythm echoes Their wisdom ancient Music unconventional Yet heavily intoxicating From Papa Wemba "show me the way" I gyrate to Kofi to Fela Gola "vita imana" I don't have to understand My hips do as I sway You can go the whole night dancing to "malaika" by fadhili Williams But don't drink too much "umqombothi" You still have time to remember From the shores of jazz to the apex of jazz Hugh Masekela always eponymous For when those hips are exhausted a break to the sound Bembeya Jazz National "Ballake" always soothes And the list never disappoints There is a bite for every saccharine moment A melody for every savory memory A satisfactory note Your ancients called it "engoma" Rhythmic drums whose sounds traveled From the eastern tip to the jungle Now Kingoma is the apex of swahili rhythm Your "engoma" carried across the shores Upon many a downtrodden slaves stole And your rhythm salve for the souls During periods of darkness and plight In slavery and apartheid Through many of your children's plight Only pleading for their rights Sam Cooke "A change is gonna come" such delight But you liberating spirit of "engoma" Not confined, Cesaria Evora the barefoot diva Dared break the bounds of boundaries Trailblazer for your brothers and sisters No longer a confined orphan But a shimmering star And now you fuse a new generation Always so creative psquare "personally" To Wes "Alane" to Yossur N'dor To D'Banj to Akon, shimering stars of the continent Your children were called the passionate ones I agree
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