New Africa

New Africa is the place in our minds
That floats free through wide open spaces
Then runs along the river Nile
Stops and plays awhile with lions and kings
And then sits at feet of Shaka Zulu learning all about who we are
Never straying far from the love of our people

New Africa is the motherland of our past
Invaded by ships with masts and sails billowing in the wind
With pale men on board
That came disguised as friends
Yet in the end steal our past
Our present
And our future

New Africa is the blues 7th
Riding the slave waves to America
Then sold
Beaten
Knocked down
Kicked around in the cotton fields
To produce a new blue sound

New Africa is the field holler
The blues
Spiritual
Looking afar to the North Star
On the slim hopes of reaching the Promised Land

New Africa is jazz standing on a mountain top
Improvising on dreams of freedom through out a land
Where black music reigns supreme
Soothing the souls of the inhabitants