[su_spoiler title=”AN INTRIDUCTION TO MY TRIBUTE” style=”fancy” icon=”plus-square-1″]‘My Tribute’ is a track that pays tribute and remembers the countless amount of enslaved African’s that have died over the past 400 years, without receiving a proper burial. A custom and ritual not afforded slaves.
This topic seldom spoken of by either other artists or historians, is possibly one of the most sensitive issues, in regards to the treatment of slaves. The rites of burial, a custom most sacred to Africans and their descendants even today, is often overlooked when remembering the African Holocaust (Maafa). Through this lyric Imani aims to rectify this. Imani draws peoples attention to this fact, in an attempt to highlight that although long gone, this particular phenomena can, however be remedied, by people such as himself, by not only remembering these unfortunate people, but also by offering, late though it may be, a prayer of gratitude. My Tribute being such an example.[/su_spoiler]
You are free to share this track with anyone you feel would enjoy & benefit from hearing, seeing or even reading its English translation below.
[su_spoiler title=”READ ENGLISH TRANSLATION HERE” style=”fancy” icon=”plus-square-1″]My Tribute | Translated into Common EnglishIt’s for ancestorsChorusI said this is my tribute And my 21 gun salute Because the
whole earth should know the truth The senseless amount
of lives lost Not to mention those that were executed.Because, this is my memorial So I’m going to light a candle
For all those who never got a funeral Or a proper burial
Condemn to death, without trial Lord, like a common criminal Verse 1So, I’m going to bow down my head and say a prayer
And shed a little tear, to let them know I care
Because it’s a feel in my heart I hold so dear
And deep in my thoughts your always thereI know the burden that you bared
For over 400 years, of blood sweat and tears
And you were treated so unfair
In a world that didn’t care
But it’s clear that you were blessed Because I am hereChorus & Verse 2And I know the half has never been told
How your life was controlled
How you were bought and sold
Living in a world so coldCarrying a heavy load
On such a rocky, rocky road
But if the truth is to be known
And if the facts are to be shownIn life, you work your fingers to the bone
And when the trumpet is sound
You body’s thrown, down into the ground,
Without a headstoneChorus & Verse 3But still, here I am
So this is my sermon
For the countless millions
who deserved one
I am going to bless up everyone without exceptionAnd pour this libation
Because it’s an African tradition
And let their be no confusion
I am of no illusion
I know who I am
And where I’m from I’m 5th generation
Free from the plantation!!!So here my songChorus & Repeat Verse 1The END[/su_spoiler]Adinkra Symbol
