About Nzete Ya Sequoia
Nzete Ya Sequoia is a song from the album For Idole by Papa Wemba. The album was released in 1994 by artist Papa Wemba. Felix Wasekwa claimed to have written the song when he was a “parolier” (songwriter or composer) for Viva La Musica. The song title means “The sequoia tree”, a nickname referring to Jules, one of the song’s protagonists. It was arranged by artist Maika Munan who also plays the accompanying guitar. You will love his playing; I can guaranty you.
The song flows with a slow rumba tempo from the beginning to the end, with a calm and maybe melancholic melody. The melancholy seems even more evident as one listens to the lyrics, with Maika’s guitar melodic guitar here and there. It is, in our opinion, one of Papa Wemba best songs. The song’s calmness is accentuated as it follows the animated Oldies Are Goodies.
Nzete Ya Sequoia is a poetic tale of a lost lover. The protagonist talks directly to “Jule Maswa” (a non-fiction person by the way). She used to be healthy and looking splendid before they met. She then remembers how she met with Jules before things go wrong, an electrical encounter. At some point, Jules is no more in love with her. He stops giving her love, something said to be free. And she wonders why and because of whom. She begs for attention and finally says she’s ready for just anything if one day Jules wants. Until then, she will be floating over the water, about to drown.
Some Key Sentences From Lyrics
Jules Maswa oyebi ndenge nazalaki, mwasi kitoko, sante nzete ya sequoia:
Jules Maswa you know how I used to be, a splendid woman, and healthy.
Banda okende sante na nga elanda yo, natikala, kaka poso papa:
It sounds like you disappeared all along with my health, and I am left, flesh over bones.
Baye bakanisaka bolingo, ekoki nde kopesama ofele, bayebisela nga na Jules Maswa, pourquoi ye akopima, ya nga ya ye, tout les jours:
Let those who think love should be something free ask Jules, why he denies me love every day?
What do you think of “Nzete ya Sequoia”? We would appreciate your feedback so we can better write for you.
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