O Rugir Dos Leilões (Cabo Delgado)
Assane Ramadane João
The Roar of the Auctions: A Cry for Cabo Delgado
Assane Ramadane João's song "O Rugir Dos Leilões (Cabo Delgado)" is a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal of the violence and suffering experienced in Cabo Delgado, a province in Mozambique. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the devastation caused by conflict, where villages have turned into cemeteries, and homes have become abandoned graves. The imagery of bodies scattered in the streets and the silence of birds unable to sing underscores the profound loss and despair felt by the community.
The song delves into the personal and collective trauma of the people, highlighting the brutality of the attacks and the loss of basic human rights. The lines about dreams forgotten in the forests of fear and the roar of lions outside the parks symbolize the constant threat and the loss of peace. The artist's use of metaphors, such as animals disguised as people and the bloody manure that was once family, emphasizes the dehumanization and destruction wrought by the conflict. The repeated refrain of the insufficiency of the artist's cry reflects a deep sense of helplessness and the urgent need for a collective response to the crisis.
The song also touches on the exploitation and abuse of women, with harrowing descriptions of rape and the use of a daughter as mere toilet paper. The plea for salvation and the call for a chain of hope highlight the need for solidarity and action to address the suffering in Cabo Delgado. The reference to Zambézia, another province in Mozambique, signifies a call for unity and support from other regions. The song is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to recognize the plight of Cabo Delgado and to work together to bring hope and relief to the affected people.