Mi huwanga Emcee

If Michael Jackson’s Earth Song had been written by a Kenyan ‘artiste’, this is how the lyrics would have looked like:

The green, green earth

Gives us food, rain and

Protects you and me

From the harmful effects we see

Of the scorching sun

Save the environment

Give the children a future

Save the environment

It only takes

You and Me

What happened to depth, creativity and poetry in how we write lyrics? Dear young ‘MC’ who is so passionate about society, how do you ‘katia’ that girl? You write her a poem that goes,’I love you and I want a relationship with you starting probably a month from now. I can provide for you so you have no reason to refuse?’

Well, if you do, then both of you are probably ‘MCs who want to win a Grammy for your skillzZ!’

This is how the Earth song was written, kindly compare and contrast-give your opinion, only if you have high self-esteem.

What about sunrise?
What about rain?
What about all the things?
That you said we were to gain

Wanted to post the first stanza only, but then the mouse refused. It just couldn’t resist copy pasting more…

What about killing fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine?
Did you ever stop to notice

All the blood we've shared before?
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying earth the weeping shores?

Such depth, beauty and ..and emotive words that make you stop and think. Lyrics must be poetic that is why you are called an artist. Being obvious-in case 1 above makes your song only last one ‘Mzungu’-sponsored tree-planting ceremony. Keep in mind Lucky Dube’s ‘prisoner’ is still played in radio stations, yet it is about apartheid.

Your song is not a lecture,it should get that message in a sublime, sweet and subtle way. 

Note:
I think I should do another post on Kenyans use of 'cliches' when writing love songs. Now you see why, it's not just autotune that ticks me off?