Made in Africa

(This is a rap verse I wrote back in 1998 when I had delusions of grandeur, immersing myself in day-dreams of being a hip hop artist! But Life happened!)

The tide of Life flows like blood through the artery;

A deluge interlaced with despair and fantasy.

The Survival Rush transcends all boundaries

Amid disorder, chaos and corruption maladies.

But you're a beacon, so go light up a torch;

When you peep a man in need, step up and support.

We're in African streets and the poverty rules

Receiving handouts because beggars can't choose.

The primitive foundation is prevalent all over;

Under modernized tenements strewn all over;

Sprouting concrete jungles, eroded old cultures

Eaten like carcasses perked by vultures.

Ancient ways and creeds seep into the sands,

As time and chance cruise across the motherlands.

The changing of times is so unstoppable,

Like the process of dying, so unconquerable.

I got beauty divine, standing up, I’m proud,

Gone wild since they wounded the African child.

Celebrate! myths and legends of my ancestors.

Celebrate! heroes who passed resisting arresters.

Dying for a cause so I could live in peace,

Learn white ways and eventually blend with ease.

It’s logical I evolve to my present state,

It’s the only way I can get food on my plate.

There’s much out that is poison and stone,

There’s much out there that is flesh and bone.

Wisdom; ability to tell the difference,

Avoid the rotten, grabbing just the good biscuits.

A hundred years on, the struggle’s still young,

The greatest enemy’s still us, the black African,

With our bad wishes for our very own neighbours;

Jealousy, envy, greed and lust for the papers.