We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Afande (Policeman)

by Aaron English & Walter Koga

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

about

A collaboration with nyatiti master Walter Koga from Nairobi, Kenya. Our lyrics are written in Swahili or Luo.

This is a song about Kenyan country boys traveling to Nairobi & getting harassed by the police, who see their strange clothing & strange musical instruments & mark them for trouble. As Walter explains it, it’s common for a Nairobi policeman to arrest first & ask questions later. To my mind, this is sort of a Nairobi version of Stevie Wonder’s NYC in “Living for the City”.

lyrics

Walter:
Major General wearing black trouser
Afande (policeman) wearing brown suit 

Aaron:
I come to this city full of dust and sweat and noise
The living & the dying and the consequence of choice
My people used to light a fire to keep the lions at bay
Now who will shine a light for me to keep these city wolves away?
Afande, afande.  Please, please, afande.

Walter:
I am taking a bus to Nairobi. Kisumu pass by, Kericho pass by, Nakuru pass by, Kericho pass by, Naivasha pass by, then l reach Nairobi.
It’s not fair afande, It’s not fair afande…

Aaron:
I came to this city with my suitcase full of dreams
Now I know this city it ain't nothing like it seems

Walter:
The bus driver made a mistake by dropping us in the middle of Nairobi town. Then the policeman met me by mistake, while I was carrying my nyatiti (lute), and he started harrassing me, asking me bogus questions. What are you carrying in your bag? I told him I’m just carrying my nyatiti. The policeman came to me and wanted to tie me up. l started begging: don't take me in! l just came to see my children in Kariobange!
It’s not fair afande, It’s not fair afande…

Aaron:
I came to this city with my suitcase full of dreams
Now I know this city it ain't nothing like it seems
Afande, afande.  Please, please, afande.

credits

released February 28, 2017
Walter Koga: Vocals, nyatiti. Aaron English: Vocals, percussion. Don Gunn: Drums. Curtis Chandler: Guitar. Miguel Mateus: Bass.

Written by Walter Koga & Aaron English. Produced by Don Gunn & Aaron English. Mixed & mastered by Don Gunn.

Video shot by Simmon Okong’o in Nairobi, Kenya & by Jeff Leisawitz in Seattle, USA. Video edited by Aaron English.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Aaron English Nashville, Tennessee

Aaron English's distinctive sound is ambitious, world-beat-influenced art rock a la Peter Gabriel and Led Zeppelin, driven by his English's vivid lyrics, acrobatic voice, and deft piano work. Also incorporating high-energy rock, pulsing electronics, and instrumentation from five continents into his recordings and live shows. ... more

contact / help

Contact Aaron English

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Afande (Policeman), you may also like: