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Lyrics wanted: Malaika

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Tom Gutnick

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Aug 12, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/12/96
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I'm looking for the lyrics (chords would also be nice) to the song
Malaika. Pete Seeger sang it in
concert in the late 60s, but to my knowledge never recorded it, and have
never been able to find it published. It's an
East African folk song, in the Swahili language.
Would appreciate any pointers... thanks.

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jbo...@newsmail.tafensw.edu.au

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Aug 15, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/15/96
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Angelique Kidjo does a lovely version of that song on her Logozo album.

Sorry, there arent any lyrics with it. It is worth listening too, though.

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Johanna Botman Title: Teacher English/Communication
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Harold Atkinson

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Aug 20, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/20/96
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Johanna,
Pete did record it. It's on an old vinyl LP called "Strangers and Cousins",
I'm not sure when it was recorded, but I've had my copy for 25 years. Also,
the lyrics are not there.

Hope this helps.

Harold

Peter jones

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Aug 28, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/28/96
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I think that Harry Belafonte and Miriam Makeba did a version of Malaika
which is much better known. The song was written by Fadhili William and
the lyrics in ki-Swahili are:

C F/G C F/G
Malaika, Nakupenda, Malaika
C F/G C C7
Malaika, Nakupenda, Malaika
F
Ningekuowa mamiwe
G
Ningekuowa dada
(tacet) C
Nashindwa namali sinawe
F/G C F/G
Ningekuowa malaika

Pesa Zasumbua roho yangu (2x)
Nami nifanyeje
Kajana mwenzio
Nashindwa namali sinawe
Ningekuowa mamiwe

Kidege hukuwaza kidege (2x)
ningekuowa mamiwe
ningekuowa dada
nashindwa namali sinawe
ningekuowa malaika

the non-lyrical English translation I have is:

Angel, I love you , my angel (2x)
I would have married you, mama
I would have married you, sister,
I am defeated, I have no money.
I would have married you, Angel.

Money, money is troubling my heart (2x)
And what can I do
Being your home-boy,
I am defeated, I have no money
I would have married you, mama.

Little bird, if you had struggled with your parents
I would have married you, mama
I would have married you, sister
I am defeated, I have no money
I would have married you, Angel.

Hope this is helpful.


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