Sowa [English translation]

Sowa ayii

Sowa aha sowa wa

Please excuse me, in the name of God, as I want to express myself

I’m addressing all mothers worldwide raising a child is not easy.

Imagine the suffering of pregnancy and of birth,

And then not being able to raise that child!

To then give the child to other people

And give up the right to benefit from the fruit of these labours.

Saha aha ahayiiiiiiiiii

Sowa ah sowa wa

Who has been raised by other people?

My brothers, my sisters, and myself

Who has been raised by others?

Orphans with no father or mother

Please explain to me, as I have trouble understanding

Who was raised by others?

My brothers, my sisters, and me

Don’t give away your children to be raised by others

Don’t give away your sons to be raised by others

Don’t give away your daughters to be raised by others

This can only bring suffering and sadness

Saha aha ahayiiiiiiiiii

Sowa ah sowa wa

Look them in the eyes!

Before condemning them to misery,

look them in the eyes!

Before condemning them to suffering,

look them in the eyes!

Before condemning them to suffering,

look them in the eyes!

Sowa aha sowa wa

• Artist:Fatoumata Diawara
• Album:Fatou (2011)