All Africa Lyrics

[Abbey Lincoln]



The beat has a rich and magnificent history

Full of adventure, excitement, and mystery

Some of it bitter, and some of it sweet

But all of it part of the beat, the beat, the beat

They say it began with a chant and a hum

And a black hand laid on a native drum



Bantu, Zulu, Watusi, Ashanti, Herero, Grebo, Ibo, Masuto, Nyasa, Ndumbo, Umunda, Bobo, Kongo, Hobo, Kikuyu, Bahutu, Mossi, Kisii (Kissi/Kisi), Mbangi, Jahomi, Fongo, Bandjoun, Bassa, Yoruba, Gola, Ila, Mandingo, Mangbetu, Yosee, Bali, Angoli, Biombii, Mbole, Malinke, Mende, Masai (Maasai), Masai, Masai