Miriam Makeba

9th November, 2008

For Madiba and Graça Machel

Sing down to us, Mama Africa, sing
Sing down the earth of Africa, sing
Call the warm winds
And the green cane fields
and the gold veld grasses.
Dance the blue mountains of Africa, dance.

Sing down courage, sing
Sing down love, Mama,
Sing down hope.
Sing down to us Mama Africa, sing.

Call down to us of Africa, Mama, of healing and of hope
Trail your voice through the wind and the grasses
Drum your voice to the beat of the African shore
Hold us in the heart of your voice, Mama Africa

We will remember
We will love
And we will hope

For Africa.
For the children.
For the dispossessed.
For the possessed.

For those everywhere, who do what they can do,
sing down humanity, Mama, sing.