Tsamina-mina eh eh, Waka waka eh eh !

The world-cup fever is finally over! We in India and people world over enjoyed the biggest event of the most popular sport- The FIFA World Cup. Indeed it’s fun to watch all the soccer giants of the likes of Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina and others… Along with the sport, we also enjoyed the hip-hop African flavoured official song “Waka Waka” sung by Shakira. We all enjoyed the song as much as the event itself. But did anybody stop to notice the lyrics of this spirited song?

It has a wonderful and apt message for all PWS. As a result of stammer, we at times go through very bad phases and experiences. It impacts us. And we try to come out of it… and then just as we think that we are in control or recovering from it, it recurs with the ugliest face! We fall again… And then we brood over it. No! Don’t brood over it. When you fall, get up! And if you fall again, get up! This is exactly what the lyrics of FIFA official song conveys…

History has it, that “Tsamina” was a favourite song sung by Mokossa group from Cameroon. The song pays tribute to African Skirmishers (a.k.a tirailleurs) during World War II. “Tsamina-mina” means “Come on…” and “Waka waka” means “Do it…” So next time you see the world cup official song, close your eyes for a while, and listen to what it means…. “Come on do it…. If you fall down, get up, and if you fall down again, Get up….”

Thus goes the lyrics:

You’re a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle

You’re on the frontline
Everyone’s watching
You know it’s serious
We’re getting closer
This isn’t over

The pressure is on
You feel it
But you’ve got it all
Believe it

When you fall get up
Oh oh…
And if you fall get up
Oh oh…

Tsamina mina
Zangalewa
Cuz this is Africa

Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka Waka eh eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
This time for Africa

Listen to your god
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Don’t wait in line
Y vamos por Todo

People are raising
Their Expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations

Today’s your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it

If you get down
Get up Oh oh…
When you get down
Get up eh eh…

Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
This time for Africa…