The Meaning Behind The Song: 7 Seconds by Youssou N’Dour (featuring Neneh Cherry)
When Youssou N’Dour and Neneh Cherry joined forces to create “7 Seconds,” the result was a song that would go on to become a global hit. Released in 1994, the song was an international success, reaching the top ten in numerous countries around the world, including the UK, Germany, and France. What is the meaning behind the song, and why did it have such a powerful impact on the world?
The Inspiration Behind “7 Seconds”
The song was inspired by Youssou N’Dour’s experiences growing up in Senegal. He had witnessed many conflicts and injustices throughout his life, and he wanted to create a song that would highlight the need for peace and understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds.
In an interview with the BBC, N’Dour said, “In Africa, we have a philosophy that says it takes seven seconds to meet somebody, to appreciate them, to understand them, and to love them. And I wanted to communicate that to the world.”
The Lyrics of “7 Seconds”
The lyrics of “7 Seconds” reflect the theme of unity and understanding that is central to the song. The opening lines are sung in a mixture of English and Senegalese, emphasizing the message of cultural diversity:
“Boul ma sene, boul ma guiss madi re nga fokni mane / Kouna faham, faham ngeudef ci yaw rekk”
The English translation of these lines is:
“Some people think that love comes in a two / You can wrap your arms around them / But it comes in seven different forms.”
The song goes on to suggest that we should “live together in a world that’s full of peace” and that “all men are equal in the eyes of love.”
The Collaborators Behind “7 Seconds”
Youssou N’Dour and Neneh Cherry both have impressive music careers, and their collaboration on “7 Seconds” was a natural fit. N’Dour is a Senegalese singer and songwriter who is known for his work in the mbalax genre of music. He has released over 30 albums throughout his career and has been one of the most well-respected musicians in Africa.
Neneh Cherry, on the other hand, is a Swedish singer-songwriter who was born in Stockholm, but raised in England. She is best known for her eclectic mix of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her breakthrough hit was “Buffalo Stance,” released in 1988.
The collaboration between the two artists on “7 Seconds” was a unique opportunity to blend their different musical styles and cultural backgrounds into a powerful message of hope and unity.
The Impact of “7 Seconds”
“7 Seconds” was an immediate success when it was released in 1994, reaching the top ten in numerous countries around the world. The song’s message of unity and cultural understanding resonated with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
The song continues to be a beloved classic, and many people have attributed its longevity to its positive message of hope. As N’Dour has said, “The song talks about coming together, and it’s still valid today.”
FAQs:
What is the meaning of “Boul ma sene, boul ma guiss madi re nga fokni mane / Kouna faham, faham ngeudef ci yaw rekk”?
The opening lines of the song are sung in a mixture of English and Senegalese. The lyrics are translated to: “Some people think that love comes in a two / You can wrap your arms around them / But it comes in seven different forms.”
What inspired Youssou N’Dour to write “7 Seconds”?
Youssou N’Dour was inspired to write “7 Seconds” by his experiences growing up in Senegal. He wanted to create a song that would highlight the need for peace and understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds.
Who is Youssou N’Dour?
Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer and songwriter who is known for his work in the mbalax genre of music. He has released over 30 albums throughout his career and has been one of the most well-respected musicians in Africa.
Who is Neneh Cherry?
Neneh Cherry is a Swedish singer-songwriter who was born in Stockholm, but raised in England. She is best known for her eclectic mix of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her breakthrough hit was “Buffalo Stance,” which was released in 1988.
What was the impact of “7 Seconds”?
“7 Seconds” was an immediate success when it was released in 1994, reaching the top ten in numerous countries around the world. The song’s message of unity and cultural understanding resonated with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
What is mbalax music?
Mbalax music is a popular genre of music in Senegal and the Gambia. It is a fusion of traditional drumming rhythms and instruments with modern instruments like the guitar and keyboard. Youssou N’Dour is one of the most well-known mbalax musicians.
What other songs has Youssou N’Dour released?
Youssou N’Dour has released over 30 albums throughout his career. Some of his other well-known songs include “Set,” “Immigrés,” “Li Ma Weesu,” and “Shakin’ the Tree,” a collaboration with Peter Gabriel.
What other songs has Neneh Cherry released?
In addition to “Buffalo Stance,” Neneh Cherry is known for other hit songs like “Manchild,” “Kisses on the Wind,” and “Woman.” She has released several albums throughout her career and continues to be a respected figure in the music industry.
What languages are spoken in “7 Seconds”?
“7 Seconds” is sung in a mixture of English and Senegalese. The opening lines of the song are in Senegalese, and the rest of the song is primarily in English.
What is Neneh Cherry’s background?
Neneh Cherry was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but was raised in England. Her mother is Swedish painter Moki Cherry, and her stepfather was American jazz musician Don Cherry.
What is the message of “7 Seconds”?
The message of “7 Seconds” is one of unity and cultural understanding. The song emphasizes the importance of love and acceptance between people of different backgrounds.
What is Neneh Cherry’s musical style?
Neneh Cherry’s musical style is eclectic and draws from a range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her music is known for its catchy hooks and politically charged lyrics.
What is Youssou N’Dour’s musical background?
Youssou N’Dour is known for his work in the mbalax genre of music, which is popular in Senegal and the Gambia. His music blends traditional rhythms and instruments with modern instruments like the guitar and keyboard.
