ARVA Lyrics English Translation by Jahman X-press
Arva has come
Arva is here
Arva has arrived, Diogo
Arva, the pride of our ancestors
May God bless everything
Mamadou
Diop, pride of our ancestors
That is who Arva is
This is Arva, my queen
When they say you are good, no one can deny it
I didn’t look elsewhere, it was you I searched for
Mother of my heart’s joy
I thank you, because Arva, you give me guidance like the moon (Arva)
Paradise is life when I’m at your side (you are mine)
A garden that never dries out
I planted my seeds in you
I never wanted to break your heart (don’t ever doubt me)
Arva, my soul belongs to you (don’t ever doubt me)
Wherever I look, you are the one who lifts me (don’t ever doubt me)
Like midday sun, Arva, you shine on me (don’t ever doubt me)
You carry yourself with the dignity of a true woman (don’t ever doubt me)
My family speaks of you with pride
Daughter of Serigne Babacar
Arva, I give you my life, Mamadou is your husband
So I honor you with respect
Because your name is always praised
Diop, pride of our ancestors
Your laughter so sweet, or sometimes teasing
I’ll lift you up, my elder
My heart belongs to you completely
Diop, pride of our ancestors, accept my gratitude
So I honor you with respect
Because your name is always praised
Diop, pride of our ancestors
Your laughter so sweet, or sometimes teasing
I’ll lift you up, my elder
My heart belongs to you completely
Diop, pride of our ancestors, accept my gratitude
If we look back to yesterday
It’s as if the Imam raised his prayer hands
Because of the joy in you
I’ll share it with my family
You are the first to share with me
But I stand tall, for a true man never hides among women
If you had been there on Tuesday in the square
The women lifted their heads, proud to be near you
For shame will never be brought to you
Because it was you who brought honor to your name
And the name you bought is priceless
It’s not easy to buy honor, Diop, no one can ever deny it
Whoever seeks beauty and grace
Finds no greater example
Than you, daughter of noble ancestors
So I honor you with respect
Because your name is always praised
Diop, pride of our ancestors
Your laughter so sweet, or sometimes teasing
I’ll lift you up, my elder
My heart belongs to you completely
Diop, pride of our ancestors, accept my gratitude
So I honor you with respect
Because your name is always praised
Diop, pride of our ancestors
Your laughter so sweet, or sometimes teasing
I’ll lift you up, my elder
My heart belongs to you completely
Diop, pride of our ancestors, accept my gratitude
[Kine Lam’s part]
Diop, pride of our ancestors
Mamadou raised us with dignity
(Matar Ndumbe, Soxna Niang, Serigne Codou, Ndiaga Issa Dièye)
The light spread far and wide
Mamadou, Mamadou
Pride of our ancestors
My darling Arfa
Respect is precious
Respect is precious, not everyone deserves it
(Diop, pride of our ancestors)
Mamadou (pride of our ancestors)
(Pride of our ancestors)
You speak the truth, truly!
Keita’s kin used to claim him
I waited for God, the country hears me
I call my child Arva
Toucouleur, Koura Ndieme, by God!
Respect is precious
Respect is precious, not everyone deserves it
(Diop, pride of our ancestors)
Mamadou (pride of our ancestors)
(Pride of our ancestors)
Koura Niang, Kathia Torodo, Samba Ngari Ndiana
Women honor you
Men honor you
My child, the love that never faded, still remains
You always led them, teaching with the whip when needed