Shadows

NZALE

53 NZALE (For Tabu Ley Rochereau) As the sounds of Africa Ripple and course through my Body into my soul, I nod in acknowledgement; Indeed, Africa is the heart of rhythms And to so many do we owe this. But listen to Rochereau’s Nzale and many more And see what I mean. Le vrai Seigneur! All else are faint echoes, Echoes of Africa’s heartbeat. As you listen, remember Tabu Ley is In mourning; mourning the Passing of a young girl which occurred Too soon. This was music, it Is, and will always be. Thanks Rochereau for touching the inner me. Thanks to the Congo for giving us this rare gem. Thanks Africa for bringing meaning into life. Yet I mourn because of our treacherous leaders Who deny us the right to soar, Eagles that we are. They deny believing In themselves, believing in us. And so Maître Luambo Makiadi always wept, Giants who knew the meaning of sound And how well its threads to weave. ...