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Wes — Awa Awa
Album: Welenga
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1489









Released: 1996
Length: 4:25
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Manirtadaada koroo
Manirtadaada koroo...
Ommamozellatamaajahu... zilliaga
nyamalakawuu salatomakamomo
Owa owa
Sene pada cinagupe
Iya tata
Namamoni nana kucei ya
Tawaqqala pala sala mamo baruukita
Owa owa
Sene pada cinagupe
Omokua masey cey

Oohh mamino mawittey
Awa awa
Oohh mamino natammo
Awa awa
Nya to kiamanom, kia mamomi mama puti,
Cu bab cu bab
Oh bito pami lemaa

Ommamozellatamaajahu... zilliaga
Nnyamalakawuu salatomakamomo
Owa owa
Sene pada cinagupe
Iya tata

Oohh mamino mawittey
Awa awa
Oohh mamino natammo
Awa awa
Nya to kiamanom, kia mamomi mama puti, cu bab cu bab
Oh bito pami lemaa
Ee e oh bitoo
Ee e oh mito
Ee e oh bitoo
Ee e oh mito

Oohh mamino mawittey
Awa awa
Oohh mamino nyatammo
Awa awa
Nya to kiamanom, kia mamomi mama puti,
Cu bab cu bab
Oh bito pami lema

Ee e oh bitoo
Ee e oh mito
Ee e oh bitoo
Ee e oh mito
Manirtada koro
Awa awa
Hawaijaa hayudatuhtadun tabun..
Awa awa
Oh bito pami lema
Awa awa
Comments (179)add comment
 Highlowsel wrote:

But there's something about it that always makes me want to stand up, do a shuffle and throw my hands out wide into the air above my head, all the while yelling "Awa AWA!"

Come on now admit it, it does the same to you, too?


Awa awa, brother!
Posted 2 months ago by eranzangvil    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

This is a good tune. 

And I can't understand a word being sung. 

But there's something about it that always makes me want to stand up, do a shuffle and throw my hands out wide into the air above my head, all the while yelling "Awa AWA!"

Come on now admit it, it does the same to you, too?

Highlow
American Net'Zen

That "Awa Awa" riff is pinched from "Diamonds on the soles of her shoes" by Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  Album Graceland.
Posted 5 months ago by acferrad    [ Reply ]
Wonderful music, great CD. Sad to read Wes is not among us anymore.
Posted 5 months ago by Beinte    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

This is a good tune. 

And I can't understand a word being sung. 

But there's something about it that always makes me want to stand up, do a shuffle and throw my hands out wide into the air above my head, all the while yelling "Awa AWA!"

Come on now admit it, it does the same to you, too?

Highlow
American Net'Zen


I wholeheartedly agree. Such a groovy, happy tune. Thanks RP!
Posted 6 months ago by OlderGentleman    [ Reply ]
A fabulous tune! 
Thanks for the music William!
Posted 11 months ago by jolacorp    [ Reply ]
Where else but Radio Paradise would you hear this. This is why I gladly lend my support. Thank you RP!
Posted 1 year ago by OlderGentleman    [ Reply ]
How unexpected.
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
Zzzz
Posted 1 year ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
this requires eiter a decent headset or a more than adequate subwoofer system. 


(There is some Brian May in this song)
Posted 1 year ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
My wife who speaks Swahili says Awa is the Swahili name of 'Eve' of Adam & Eve.
Posted 1 year ago by dpatte    [ Reply ]
 merkin_muffley wrote:
What the hell was the guitar solo doing in there.
 
If it were the 1980s, there'd have to be a saxophone solo.  Now that would be odd.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Awesome! A blast from the past
Posted 1 year ago by Coreus    [ Reply ]
Some other great African music is on the following Soundtrack -Africa : Music from the Acclaimed Television Series. I discovered Wes during 2004. Great Voice. The musicians in Africa are inspirational. The massses tend to destroy their countries. Cudos to the musicians who stand up for  sanity amongst the insane or is it Insanity amongst the regarded sane 




Posted 1 year ago by Nico9    [ Reply ]
Proclivities wrote:
...sounds like Mumford & Sons.

 luckywhitegirl wrote:

Oh to me not at all! it reminds me of Enigma. 

WOOSH!   
Posted 1 year ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

This is a good tune. 

And I can't understand a word being sung. 

But there's something about it that always makes me want to stand up, do a shuffle and throw my hands out wide into the air above my head, all the while yelling "Awa AWA!"

Come on now admit it, it does the same to you, too?

Highlow
American Net'Zen



Couldn't agree more and "yes!"
Posted 2 years ago by JPOSBORN    [ Reply ]
The "Awa Awa" sound is stolen from Paul Simon / Graceland album - Diamonds on the soles of her shoes.
Posted 3 years ago by acferrad    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:
This is a good tune. 

And I can't understand a word being sung. 

But there's something about it that always makes me want to stand up, do a shuffle and throw my hands out wide into the air above my head, all the while yelling "Awa AWA!"

Come on now admit it, it does the same to you, too?

Highlow
American Net'Zen
 
LOL!  Totally agree, there is a positive hopefulness that emanates from this tune.
Posted 3 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
This is a good tune. 

And I can't understand a word being sung. 

But there's something about it that always makes me want to stand up, do a shuffle and throw my hands out wide into the air above my head, all the while yelling "Awa AWA!"

Come on now admit it, it does the same to you, too?

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Posted 3 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
Nothing can really prepare you for when those big, 'Awa awas' enter. Wow!
Posted 4 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
bump. 7 > 8
An addictive, uplifting turn. A soundtrack for a lovely sunrise. 

 
Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
At the start there... immediately thought of Deep Forest - 1992?

Still an 8... 
Posted 9 years ago by MM_Oz    [ Reply ]
 
Webfoot wrote:
"Jack bought a Jedi gnome"??

 
That's exactly what I heard {#Eh}
Posted 9 years ago by endived    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Deep Forest. ... Oh, he was a singer in that band for a while. Nice.
Posted 10 years ago by Nix    [ Reply ]
 cShaggy wrote:
..struck me with an Enigma vibe at the start..also does anyone else hear pac-man in the "Awa Awa"..?..

..only went back to comments circa 2008, sorry if retreading)..
 

Posted 10 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
"Jack bought a Jedi gnome"??
Posted 10 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

...sounds like Mumford & Sons.

 
{#Lol}
Posted 10 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
A great Monday morning song.
Posted 10 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

...sounds like Mumford & Sons.

 
Oh to me not at all! it reminds me of Enigma. 
Posted 10 years ago by luckywhitegirl    [ Reply ]
I like this song but it does sound very 90s. But that's okay. I just think I would've loved it even more if I'd heard it back then. :)
Posted 10 years ago by luckywhitegirl    [ Reply ]
I love this song. I can't help feeling, tho', that if it were sung in English by Rod Stewart, we'd all be complaining that it belonged on AOR FM.
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
..struck me with an Enigma vibe at the start..also does anyone else hear pac-man in the "Awa Awa"..?..

..only went back to comments circa 2008, sorry if retreading)..
Posted 11 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
For those who are interested, Wes sings in his native Yorùbá dialect. It's indigenous to the Niger-Congo region and is a dialect spoken by ~20 million people (so one third of the United Kingdom, then!)

I was in France about a decade ago when his single "Alane" became a MASSIVE hit on the French charts that summer; only the people who could speak Yoruba understood what he was singing but nonetheless it was a huge feelgood track. Still got my single somewhere in the cupboard!
Posted 11 years ago by christopherwoods    [ Reply ]
 dctrpunda wrote:
thought it was some interpretation of Whiter Shade of Pale for a bit there.
 
...sounds like Mumford & Sons.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 merkin_muffley wrote:
 And what the hell was the guitar solo doing in there.
 
You mean, like, "Them kaffirs have to learn to stick to their primitive kaffir music."   ?
Posted 11 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
African Muzak I'm afraid. And what the hell was the guitar solo doing in there.
Posted 11 years ago by merkin_muffley    [ Reply ]
Makes we want to fire up Civ V
Posted 11 years ago by lucasjordan    [ Reply ]
bon feeling , bon son H
Posted 12 years ago by cousinhub    [ Reply ]
Nice. 9
Posted 12 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Gets a 9 leaning toward more.  Smooth sound, pleasing rhythm.
Posted 12 years ago by Andy_B    [ Reply ]
Digging this. . . and Fozzy would too!
Posted 12 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
                
This post apparently contained an image that was dragged into the post editor. Sorry, but any text contained in the post after this point has been lost.
Posted 12 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]


Wakka Wakka!


Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
Gotta buy this one!
Posted 12 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
meh. I mean that in the most original and culturally coherent fashion, of course. This must be the west African equivalent of that peculiar pablum labeled "soft jazz" in my nape of the woods. Professional execution, trendy time signature - just a little light on depth and soul to my ears. Extra cool outfit on the cover art, however.
 
Agreed! And what a fine outfit it is, too.

Posted 12 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
I SO wish someone would upload "One By One" by Lebo M. and the African Choir. It's done a cappella, and is so astonishing...  When I listen to it, I think of those documentaries where a herd of gazelles just leaps into the air for the pure joy of it - and that's what I think of when I listen to "One By One."  The voices blend so effortlessly, and then they take off from there in a counter-harmony so beautifully-blended, it's altogether possible that they're singing simply for the joy of it.

Um, I like this song, too. {#Embarassed}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
thought it was some interpretation of Whiter Shade of Pale for a bit there.
Posted 13 years ago by dctrpunda    [ Reply ]
A Killer song..A Wack a Wack a Wack !
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
THIS IS NO, NO,NO NO, NO,NO...... PARADISE.
Posted 13 years ago by macbags    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
 
Perfect!
Posted 13 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 jfauteux wrote:
Great tune. That live version of "In your Eyes" would make such a nice follow-up to this track. Hint, hint :)
 
"In Your Eyes" live follows any song well.  Rate above a 10...
Posted 13 years ago by raewah    [ Reply ]
Incredible good!
Posted 13 years ago by frank-peter    [ Reply ]

Posted 13 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
RadioDoc wrote:
I would add that using such terms as "meh" illustrates a lazy mind and a lack of original thought, both of which are evident in the post you refer to. Too bad the wide cultural exposure here does not inspire a more coherent expression of some members' thoughts. As for this tune, it's a solid 8.
meh. I mean that in the most original and culturally coherent fashion, of course. This must be the west African equivalent of that peculiar pablum labeled "soft jazz" in my nape of the woods. Professional execution, trendy time signature - just a little light on depth and soul to my ears. Extra cool outfit on the cover art, however.


Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 joempie wrote:
eclectic world music...

is this the time of day when you guys only play 6-star rated music? like, oh well, everbody here is asleep anyway. let's annoy the europeans with that stuff...

could you please play some 8 star music again?

 
rate it 8 then {#Mrgreen}
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
eclectic world music...

is this the time of day when you guys only play 6-star rated music? like, oh well, everbody here is asleep anyway. let's annoy the europeans with that stuff...

could you please play some 8 star music again?

Posted 14 years ago by joempie    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes} Whole album of Wes makes excellent music, same African style.{#Jump}
Posted 14 years ago by Beinte    [ Reply ]
 GlassMan! wrote:
I like the sound of this, mellow....so I went to look on the RP page and WHOA!!  That's my name!  {#Mrgreen}
 
What, "Awa Awa"? {#Lol}
Posted 14 years ago by Pieter    [ Reply ]
I like the sound of this, mellow....so I went to look on the RP page and WHOA!!  That's my name!  {#Mrgreen}

Posted 14 years ago by GlassMan!    [ Reply ]
Great tune. That live version of "In your Eyes" would make such a nice follow-up to this track. Hint, hint :)
Posted 14 years ago by jfauteux    [ Reply ]
There is something mesmerizing about this song; I like it.
Posted 14 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
mmmmmmmmmmm
Posted 14 years ago by mr_toad    [ Reply ]
Love this. {#Daisy}
Posted 15 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:

Awa Awa to you

 

And with you as well!  {#Angel}
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
excellent harmonic transition from crowded house's "never be the same," to this!  {#Clap}

Posted 15 years ago by nicolaluna    [ Reply ]
 dreadpixie wrote:
I was gonna say something... but then I stared too long at that guy's outfit... and all constructive thought got washed away.
 
I know... cool 'eh!   {#Mrgreen}

It's always good to keep clear of constructive thought... just ask Excelsior.
Posted 15 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
 philbertr wrote:

Also, don't misspell "you're"
 
Awa Awa to you

Posted 15 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Geeze Bill... that was awesome.

Edit: In case this seg is lost, Crowded House - Four Seasons in One Day  >> Wes - Awa Awa.  And it was good.  Better than good.
Posted 15 years ago by greyfin10    [ Reply ]
Nice... never heard of them. Hey-ho, hey-ho, it's off to Amazon I go
Posted 15 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
Awa {#Puke} awa  {#Puke}

Posted 15 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
First note of this song, made me think VNV was coming on and I was excited...

Then I realized how horribly wrong I was and cried. {#Cry}
Posted 15 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]
Like the tune but the boys' cloths look like he laid down on the sidewalk and rolled from one end to the other across all of the colored sidewalk chalk the kids were drawing pictures with.
Posted 15 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
kalkin84 wrote:
oh ya. i heard "awakka wakka." 2
The backing reminds me, sacrilegiously and facetiously I'm sure, of the backing to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (click here). Still, it is a Friday after all... Not a bad number, nowt special, pleasant enough - aural Mogadon. Shame about the 'electronic clap' background, though. 5 from the Nottingham jury.

Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
musikalia wrote:
The Urban Dictionary is brilliant, and sometimes just hilarious. But saying the original poster was "stupid and exposing yourself as such" was a bit harsh, IMO. They may be a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just new to online communities (where I was first exposed to the word "meh"), or not a native English speaker (I don't think "meh" is said or written in other languages). Not knowing the most modern slang (or not having perfect English for that matter) hardly makes one stupid.
I would add that using such terms as "meh" illustrates a lazy mind and a lack of original thought, both of which are evident in the post you refer to. Too bad the wide cultural exposure here does not inspire a more coherent expression of some members' thoughts. As for this tune, it's a solid 8.
Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
This song really can't end soon enough
Posted 15 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
prickelpit96 wrote:
The choir singing 'Awa Awa' between the strophes is fun!
--No, it is irritating--almost as horrible as the random squealing brass. Headache.
Posted 15 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
I wish the instrumental and drum tracks were less dated-sounding (shades of Enigma...), but the main vocal and the choral backing vocals redeem it. Thanks, RP, for playing world music!
Posted 15 years ago by ellyj    [ Reply ]
Well, the first "awa, awa" is okay I guess but the rest kind of sucks. Something about that cheese-ball 80's guitar and the synthesized drum machine thing just don't do it for me...
Posted 15 years ago by Ballzak    [ Reply ]
That first "Awa awa" always gives me goosebumps.
Posted 15 years ago by mybaldbird    [ Reply ]
Baby_M wrote:
The chorus in this song sounded like "Wakka wakka!" when I was only half paying attention to it. For a second there, I thought Fozz E. Bear was doing world music!
oh ya. i heard "awakka wakka." 2
Posted 15 years ago by kalkin84    [ Reply ]
seedeater wrote:
If you ever feel like your not hip, don't act stupid and expose yourself as such. Look it up in the Urban Dictionary. https://www.urbandictionary.com/
Also, don't misspell "you're"
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
I really like this one, but you can't buy it on itunes Canada. Like so many things. Sigh.
Posted 16 years ago by HMS_Beagle    [ Reply ]
The chorus in this song sounded like "Wakka wakka!" when I was only half paying attention to it. For a second there, I thought Fozz E. Bear was doing world music!
Posted 16 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
That guitar solo just made the song. YES!
Posted 16 years ago by kindermanltd    [ Reply ]
seedeater wrote:
If you ever feel like your not hip, don't act stupid and expose yourself as such. Look it up in the Urban Dictionary. https://www.urbandictionary.com/
The Urban Dictionary is brilliant, and sometimes just hilarious. But saying the original poster was "stupid and exposing yourself as such" was a bit harsh, IMO. They may be a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just new to online communities (where I was first exposed to the word "meh"), or not a native English speaker (I don't think "meh" is said or written in other languages). Not knowing the most modern slang (or not having perfect English for that matter) hardly makes one stupid.
Posted 16 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
MsJudi wrote:
Is that Brian May on guitar?
It's an unreleased track from the "Innuendo"-album However, that song sounds funny...
Posted 16 years ago by TeleFrank    [ Reply ]
Bad_Art wrote:
meh? Please translate. No disrespect, I just like to know.
If you ever feel like your not hip, don't act stupid and expose yourself as such. Look it up in the Urban Dictionary. https://www.urbandictionary.com/
Posted 16 years ago by seedeater    [ Reply ]
How on earth do you even find this album....?
Posted 16 years ago by BrandonM    [ Reply ]
I was gonna say something... but then I stared too long at that guy's outfit... and all constructive thought got washed away.
Posted 16 years ago by dreadpixie    [ Reply ]
djcoolhandluke wrote:
Yeah, definitely a "meh"
meh? Please translate. No disrespect, I just like to know.
Posted 16 years ago by Bad_Art    [ Reply ]
MEH!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
agnes wrote:
We need a rating level called "meh."
Yeah, definitely a "meh"
Posted 16 years ago by djcoolhandluke    [ Reply ]
Without having a clue why, I like this.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Woah ... 80's solo
Posted 16 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Enigma with Dreads. *yawn*
Drednigma? Eniglock?
Posted 16 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
Well produced, good chorus with nice hook. I'll give it a 7.
Posted 16 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
I can't understand a word. :)
Posted 16 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Mari wrote:
... this gives me a real feelin'of Spiritual connection with humanity ...
I think you just defined "world music" for me. I just changed my 8 of a few weeks ago to a 9.
Posted 16 years ago by lawman    [ Reply ]
The choir singing 'Awa Awa' between the strophes is fun!
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
"Awaka - wah" That's how I sing along! :-)
Posted 16 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
We need a rating level called "meh."
Posted 16 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
reminiscent of Prayer Cycle
Posted 17 years ago by babyjuice    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Enigma with Dreads. *yawn*
Ce n'est pas faux !!!
Posted 17 years ago by Chumbawamba-1984    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
I wouldn't think I like this, but I do. 8.
Me, too. Can't get my ears around "world music" (which I assume this would be called) usually, but I like this one.
Posted 17 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
First song by a Cameroon guy I've heard today(well then again you never know here )
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
I won't compare this to any other artist, but certainly, this genré of Afica gives me a real feelin'of Spiritual connection with humanity hence creation!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
I wouldn't think I like this, but I do. 8.
Posted 17 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Nuance wrote:
I was thinking Pac-Man... awakawakawaka bleeeeoooop!
so speaking of the 80s, do you recall "Open the door, get on the floor, everyone walk the dinosaur..."
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Enigma with Dreads. *yawn*
Posted 17 years ago by raven121x    [ Reply ]
jlind wrote:
This started out at a five and keeps going down.
I agree
Posted 17 years ago by okobojicat    [ Reply ]
Awakawa...She's got Diamonds in the Souls of Her Shoes!!
Posted 17 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
This started out at a five and keeps going down.
Posted 17 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
zarathustra wrote:
At the risk of being politically incorrect - Have to agree. I like exoctic foods but that doesn't extend to my ears. Worst part of RP is all the world-beat, lets be happy-happy, pukie stuff.
Maybe Radio We-Play-Only-Depressing-Music would be a better choice for you.
Posted 17 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
Enigma with Dreads. *yawn*
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
That was a great transition!!!!! "Never be the Same" to "Awa Awa"!!!! Made my evening!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Bosonator    [ Reply ]
Is that Brian May on guitar?
Posted 17 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song! Anyone have a translation of the lyrics?
Posted 17 years ago by ndfan75    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 17 years ago by tugandbuster    [ Reply ]
Nuance wrote:
I was thinking Pac-Man... awakawakawaka bleeeeoooop!
LOL!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
cbonai wrote:
The Fozzie Bear song...waka waka waka!
I was thinking Pac-Man... awakawakawaka bleeeeoooop!
Posted 17 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
I don't understand... but I like it anyway.
Posted 17 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]