Canção do Africano

Nação Karirí's 'Canção do Africano' is a poignant and evocative song that delves deep into the sorrow and longing of African slaves in Brazil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by the enslaved, juxtaposed with their nostalgic memories of their homeland. The song begins in a damp and narrow slave quarters, where a slave sings a mournful tune, tears streaming down his face as he reminisces about his distant homeland. This opening sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the emotional and physical suffering endured by the slaves.

The song also introduces a female slave, who, while cradling her child, responds softly to the man's song. This interaction underscores the shared pain and solidarity among the enslaved, as well as the protective instincts of a mother trying to shield her child from the harshness of their reality. The lyrics then shift to a vivid description of the slave's homeland, a place where the sun blazes and the sand glows like embers. Despite the beauty of their current surroundings, the slaves yearn for their homeland, a place where they were free and happy, and where people were not sold for money.

The song's refrain, repeated throughout, emphasizes this longing: 'Minha terra é lá bem longe / Das bandas de onde o Sol vem / Esta terra é mais bonita / Mas à outra eu quero bem.' This refrain captures the essence of the song, a deep-seated yearning for a lost home and a life of freedom. The song concludes with the slave preparing to sleep, knowing he must rise before dawn to avoid punishment. This ending reinforces the relentless cycle of toil and suffering that defines the lives of the enslaved. 'Canção do Africano' is a powerful testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of those who endured the horrors of slavery, and a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring their stories.