Africa Africa

by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty
Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty

Africa Africa
by David Diop by David Diop

Africa, my Africa Africa, my Africa

Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty The bitter taste of liberty