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Soundkeeper Recordings

Markus Schwartz & Lakou Brooklyn: Kay Sa

Wongòl

Traditional with additional music and lyrics by Monvelyno Alexis
Arranged by Monvelyno Alexis

The Wongòl song, as well as a rhythm of the same name, originates in the Kongo traditions of Vodou, and has become a popular part of folklore repertoire for dance troupes and musicians alike. Our version contains original words and melodic motifs by Monvelyno, and we reference old-school Konpa* grooves in the performance.

* Konpa Direk is the national dance music of Haiti and has spread through the French Antilles as well as much of French speaking Africa.

Mwen di Wongòl o, w’ale                       I say Wongòl* you have gone
Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò, w’ale                       When will you come see me again? You’ve gone
                         
Gade Wongòl o, ale                       Look, Wongòl has gone
Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò, w’ale                       When will you come see me again? You’ve gone
                         
Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò                       When will you come see me again?
Peyi a chanje                       The country has changed
                         
Tet mòn yo kale Wongòl                       The mountains are bare Wongòl
Ti moun yo krete Wongòl                       The children are scared Wongòl
Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò, w’ale                       When will you come see me again? You’ve gone
Peyi’m nan kraze                       My country is in ruins
                         
Tet mòn yo kale                       The mountains are bare
Ti moun yo krete                       The children are scared
Pye bwa yo ale                       The trees have gone
Kolera pase                       Cholera is afoot

* Wongòl, the kreyolized version of Angola, the capital of the Kongo nation, represents the Kongo heritage in Haitian ancestry and Vodou traditions.


Markus Schwartz: Haitian Petwo drums, cajon, ride cymbal, miscellaneous percussion
Monvelyno Alexis: electric guitar, vocals
Bobby Raymond: contrabass
Godwin Louis: alto saxophone

Listen to a sample