The Rhythm of Africa, Collabo With Mo Marugu

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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Mo Avatar
January 18, 2026 at 6:57 AM
Hey...just went through some of my old favs...good old days
Inman Avatar
July 18, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Excellent Njeri. Such a vast diverse and fascinating place.
Siyad Avatar
February 24, 2016 at 9:48 PM
Malaika by Fadhili Williams, oh how sweet Africa is, malaika by Miriam Makeba is my favourite. Nice write Njeri. This is beautiful. My, Kenya, My Africa.
Hunjeri Avatar
March 12, 2016 at 12:49 AM
Thank you so much Hudhaifah
Horsman Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM
Wow, this is brilliant, so informative, from one culture to another, thank you i'm learning ..
Hunjeri Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 1:49 PM
you're welcome Harry and thank you:-)
May Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 10:31 AM
Great collaboration ... a drumbeat upon the pages of history
Hunjeri Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 1:48 PM
thank you so much Joseph
Andresen Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 7:53 AM
- A great writing from both of you - The sound and the words about Africa is beautiful :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Hunjeri Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 1:47 PM
thank you so much Anne Lise
Nyaga Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 1:20 AM
exellent collabo Njeri & Mo... we are proud to be children of mother Africa where the beat is alive, and the rhythm enchanting.. i so love the creative genius of our people
Hunjeri Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 1:45 PM
me too! thank you so much Lewis.
Sage Avatar
January 7, 2016 at 4:08 PM
excellent write, you both have done Great
Hunjeri Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 1:43 PM
thank you so much white sage
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