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Madiba by M. Wimberly featuring Theresa Thomason

from Afrofuturism by Michael Wimberly

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about

This jazzy R&B flavored tribute to Nelson Mandela, who was also known as “Madiba”, tells a story of legacy. Using the Kora (21 stringed harp) and Balafon (xylophone) to underpin the roots and soul of Africa, this gospel tinged track, with its distinctive rhythmic backing, contains a unique blend of musical elements. I wrote this song several weeks before the passing of Nelson Mandela. Using a Mozambican timbila (buzzing marimba), I performed this song at the Apollo theatre in NYC with kora musician Yacouba Sissoko. I later developed the version that appears on this album for Theresa.

lyrics

Madiba (Dedicated to Nelson Mandela) 5:37
(written by Michael Wimberly, Jonathan Joseph, Foday Musa Suso)

A luta continua (The struggle continues)

27 years they took from his life
27 years he fought against apartheid
No, he never stopped, he never tired
With the weight of the world they couldn’t put out his fire

He was as great as King and Ghandi
He did what he had to do to set his people free
A diplomate a great inspirer
A voice of change a revolution starter

We’ll never forget you
I know, we’ll never forget you
Madiba Madiba Madiba Madiba

You were attacked - all sides
Didn’t know who was with you
Always looking left always looking right
Always defending the people’s truth

We’ll never never forget you
You’ll live forever
Our children will remember the things Remember the things
Madiba Madiba Madiba Madiba

(balafon solo)
Liberator, agitator, educator, peace maker, optimist
Even Mr. President
He was one of the greatest men who ever lived

Chaka un teyla
Chakun ta Chaka un teyla Chaka un teyla
Chakun ta Chaka un teyla Chaka un teyla
Chakun ta Chaka un teyla Chaka un teyla
Chakun ta Chaka un teyla

The struggle continues The struggle continues The struggle continues
The struggle continues
We’ll fight on and on and on and on
We’ll never forget you We’ll never forget you
Madiba
Madiba
Madiba (liberator) Madiba
Our struggle continues
We’ll fight on and on and on Madiba
Talk for his life
27 years

credits

from Afrofuturism, released January 22, 2021
Theresa Thomason Lead and Backup Vocals, Foday Musa Suso Kora, Famoro Dioubate Balafon, Sharief Hobley Guitars, Trevor Allen Bass, Jonathan Joseph Drums, Michael Wimberly Keyboards, Percussion, Waldron Ricks trumpet, Bruce Williamson flute/sax, M. Wimberly and M. Meurin Horns and String Arrangements.

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Michael Wimberly New York, New York

Album Afrofuturism (Out 2/19/2021)
Being released in three distinct parts, the album exhibits the breadth of Wimberly's sonic journey and runs the gamut of musical traditions from Pop, Rock, R&B, Afrobeat, and West African music. Afrofuturism features guest performances by Grammy award singer Joss Stone, Gary Pinto, and master kora musician Foday Musa Suso amongst others. ... more

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