Zangalewa Cover Versions
The song Zangalewa enjoys a truly global reach, and it’s hard to avoid clichés when assessing its impact. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” comes to mind. So does “the gift that keeps on giving.” Zangalewa’s multicultural appeal is underscored by the diversity of the musicians who have paid tribute to it with their own versions.
Over the next few pages you'll find a selection of YouTube covers spanning four continents. There are undoubtedly more out there. Let us know if you have further information on any of these artists, or if there are other versions you'd recommend we add to the site.
The Afrobeat/Reggae band Zaman from Cagliari, Sardinia, recorded the uptempo version on the left in 2010. On the right, Zaman performs Zangalewa live. There’s another live version here (audio only.)
Vincent Calissa, also known as “PeeJay Vincent,” is a percussionist who brought Zangalewa to Romania. He’s the lead singer in “Gloria’s” breezy version, which delves much further into the original lyrics than most. Vincent was born in Rwanda, but he grew up in Cameroon, and Zangalewa was one of his favorite childhood songs.
Vincent formed Gloria (now defunct) after he migrated to Romania. Gloria was for the most part made up of refugees from Congo, but over time Romanian musicians joined the band, and Gloria became truly multicultural. They played the music of Miriam Makeba, Manu Dibango, Koffi Olomide, and other popular African artists at parties, in concert, and on TV.
Vincent says that “Zangalewa” was quite popular in Romania, even though his audiences didn’t understand any of the words.
Vincent formed Gloria (now defunct) after he migrated to Romania. Gloria was for the most part made up of refugees from Congo, but over time Romanian musicians joined the band, and Gloria became truly multicultural. They played the music of Miriam Makeba, Manu Dibango, Koffi Olomide, and other popular African artists at parties, in concert, and on TV.
Vincent says that “Zangalewa” was quite popular in Romania, even though his audiences didn’t understand any of the words.
South African broadcast journalist and founder of Life Stories Lisa Chait was traveling with her cousin, David Gluckman, in 1994 when she videotaped Chief Chipoka's Band performing at Club Nkopola resort hotel on the shores of Lake Malawi. Some of their instruments were crude, but their spirit shone bright. Chief Chipoka himself wasn’t there that night; Lisa and David met him the next day. Lisa described the experience on South Africa’s Radio 2000.
Lisa and David had no idea of the origins of Waka Waka, and didn't even know that they were listening to a cover. They were surprised and delighted years later when the song they never forgot from their holiday in Malawi emerged as a huge hit.
Lisa and David had no idea of the origins of Waka Waka, and didn't even know that they were listening to a cover. They were surprised and delighted years later when the song they never forgot from their holiday in Malawi emerged as a huge hit.
This version, by Kania Society from the Republic of Guinea, came out in 2010.
The Vocal Sisters are an a cappella group from Italy who perform the music of several cultures. This is their Zangalewa interpretation from the Vox Mundi Festival, Magliano in Toscana (Tuscany) in 2009.