Wanted My Voice

(Ayy, yoh... James black)

They didn't wanna listen, mukwai.

But now? Standard procedure.

I was singing in the corner, nobody look my way

I tell them my dreams, they say it is a boza play

But I kept on pushing, through the cold Lusaka night

Now the copper belt is shining, everything is bright.

Mayo! They see the fire now.

Now you say you wanted my voice, ayy!

Now you wanna hear my song, yoh!

You're calling my name day and night

But before you left me in the dark, no light.

Now you wanted my voice, mukwai!

(Ayy, listen to the rhythm!)

I say natotela to the ones who held me down

From Chilenje to the center of the town

You wanted the sweet sound but forgot the pain

Now you see the sunshine after the rain.

No more silence, we are loud!

Now you say you wanted my voice, ayy!

Now you wanna hear my song, yoh!

You're calling my name day and night

But before you left me in the dark, no light.

Now you wanted my voice, mukwai!

Yeah, you wanted my voice...

But the song belongs to the streets now.

Natotela, mukwai.

(Yoh, we out!)