Zumbi

Jorge Ben Jor's song 'Zumbi' is a powerful tribute to the resilience and resistance of African slaves in Brazil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the transatlantic slave trade, referencing various African regions such as Angola, Congo, and Benguela. These names evoke the origins of many slaves who were forcibly brought to Brazil. The song describes a harrowing scene of a slave auction, where even a princess is sold alongside her subjects, all chained and transported in ox carts. This imagery underscores the brutality and inhumanity of slavery, highlighting the dehumanizing conditions that the enslaved people endured.

The song also contrasts the opulence of the slave owners with the suffering of the slaves. It mentions sugar cane fields, coffee plantations, and cotton harvests, all cultivated by the labor of black hands. The 'senhores' or masters sit comfortably, overseeing the fruits of the slaves' labor. This stark contrast serves to emphasize the exploitation and systemic racism that underpinned the colonial economy. The repeated phrase 'Eu quero ver' (I want to see) expresses a yearning for change and justice, a desire to witness the end of such oppression.

The arrival of Zumbi, a historical figure and leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares, symbolizes hope and resistance. Zumbi is portrayed as a powerful and commanding presence, a 'senhor das guerras' (lord of wars) and 'senhor das demandas' (lord of demands). His arrival signifies a turning point, a moment when the oppressed rise against their oppressors. The song's anticipation of Zumbi's arrival reflects a broader longing for liberation and empowerment among the enslaved and their descendants. Through 'Zumbi,' Jorge Ben Jor not only honors the legacy of resistance but also calls for a continued fight against injustice and inequality.