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Traditional with additional music and lyrics by Monvelyno Alexis
Arranged by Monvelyno Alexis
The Wongòl song, as well as a rhythm of the same name, originates in the Kongo traditions of Vodou, and has become a popular part of folklore repertoire for dance troupes and musicians alike. Our version contains original words and melodic motifs by Monvelyno, and we reference old-school Konpa* grooves in the performance.
* Konpa Direk is the national dance music of Haiti and has spread through the French Antilles as well as much of French speaking Africa.
| Mwen di Wongòl o, w’ale | I say Wongòl* you have gone | ||
| Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò, w’ale | When will you come see me again? You’ve gone | ||
| Gade Wongòl o, ale | Look, Wongòl has gone | ||
| Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò, w’ale | When will you come see me again? You’ve gone | ||
| Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò | When will you come see me again? | ||
| Peyi a chanje | The country has changed | ||
| Tet mòn yo kale Wongòl | The mountains are bare Wongòl | ||
| Ti moun yo krete Wongòl | The children are scared Wongòl | ||
| Ki lè wa vini we’m ankò, w’ale | When will you come see me again? You’ve gone | ||
| Peyi’m nan kraze | My country is in ruins | ||
| Tet mòn yo kale | The mountains are bare | ||
| Ti moun yo krete | The children are scared | ||
| Pye bwa yo ale | The trees have gone | ||
| Kolera pase | Cholera is afoot |
* Wongòl, the kreyolized version of Angola, the capital of the Kongo nation, represents the Kongo heritage in Haitian ancestry and Vodou traditions.