Sage Francis - UBUNTU

Sage Francis
UBUNTU

Single US 2012 on Strange Famous Records label
Hip-Hop/Rap (Conscious)

“UBUNTU” is about HIV-positive children in South Africa in 2011. Proceeds of this song’s sale go to the children and their families... Download @ https://sagefrancis.bandcamp.com/track/ubuntu-water-into-wine-2 UBUNTU (Water Into Wine) LYRICS: Ntokozo wants a yo-yo. A yo-yo. A yo-yo. She learned about the ups and downs. The kiddies want a photo. A photo. A photo. I let them take my camera so they can make their rounds. Thandiwe want’s some paper. More paper. More paper. She’s the boss. She draws Christmas trees with snow. I’m taking ’em home. All home. To the snowmen to show them what I think they need to know, About Zinhle, Sfundo, Zakheni, Snetemba…survivor…a promise made to many. An army of old souls in a battlefield of scattered ashes, Lost ancient wisdom, and ignored AIDS symptoms. UBUNTU. What’s good for me is good for you. These brave soldiers combat the enemies of truth. In a broken system with an open wound that will never heal, If we just accept the way it is and never deal. An infection can spread to the head if you let it. Don’t let it affect the way you think…like “this is it.” Oh, this is it? That’s all there is for all these kids? These warriors? A never ending waiting list at an orphanage? As water drips in the bucket, I could add another drop, But I’ve got a feeling…that drop won’t fix the leaky ceiling. If the leak gets fixed, what about when the roof collapses? Six siblings sleeping on a single mattress. UBUNTU. What’s bad for you is bad for me. Zinhle, Sfundo, Snetemba, Zakheni, Ntokozo, Thandiwe, stay strong…be brave, I’ll make sure this world knows your names. You were born on the front lines of a country that isn’t mine, With a virus I don’t have, our family has no ties. Nevertheless, I see you. Sawubona. Yebo. Unjani? I’m fine. I’m just praying for science to turn water into wine. I’m just praying for science to turn water into wine. I’m praying we’re not just left with prayer all the time. Ntokozo wants a yo-yo. A yo-yo. A yo-yo. She learned about the ups and downs. The kiddies want a photo. A photo. A photo. I let them take my camera so they can make their rounds. I’ve seen townships stand proud in the freeze-frame of a motion picture. I’ve seen kids risk exposing themselves to a social stigma. In the name of breaking patterns and cycles of ignorance. Hearts full of hope, eyes full of innocence. These are heros. Now I call to the heads of State, Recognize greatness when it’s in your face. I traveled half the globe to see boys and girls stuck, Without assistance. You insisted on hosting the World Cup? That ain’t love, brother. What happened to you? You beautified the parts of the city that tourists travel through. You built a gorgeous stadium that can’t sustain itself, Flexing superficial muscles in a false display of wealth. Your most important resources need major help. Think of how the medication and information on AIDS is dealt. Beautify the way you save yourself, For God’s sake, for human sake, for the sake of public heath. One medicine drop in a bucket eventually evaporates. The socks I bought Zakheni won’t fix fractures or breaks. It’s not my suffering. It’s not my needlessly complex infrastructure. It’s not my culture. Nevertheless I see you. Sawubona. Yebo. Unjani. How YOU doin’? I’m fine. I’m just praying for science to turn water into wine. Ntokozo wants a yo-yo. A yo-yo. A yo-yo. She knows about the ups and downs. The kiddies want a photo. A photo. A photo. I let them take my camera so they can make their rounds. Thandiwe want’s some paper. More paper. More paper. She’s the boss. She draws Christmas trees with snow. I’m taking ’em home. All home. To the snowmen to show them what I think they need to know, Along with this praise poem and every child’s photo. Inspiration given by Zinhle, Sfundo, Thandiwe, Promise, Zakheni, Ntokozo, The kids call me “Big Show” — that’s better than no show.