Pata Pata - Balkaneros Band and Travelers

MUSIC IN MY SUITCASE

Performed by BalkanEros Banditos: Haris Abdagić, Aldin Šehić, Almin Redžepović, Sead Solo, Semir Solo, Armen Škobalj, Toni Pešikan

Percussion and vocals: Jado, Ali A, Ali D, Danial, Ayoub, Jamal, Omar, Farnosh, Fatemeh

Music: Miriam Makeba, Jerry Ragovoy
Lyrics: Miriam Makeba, Jerry Ragovoy
Arrangement: Haris Abdagić

Copyright: ©Kuma International 2023

Spotify: https://rb.gy/d5xat
iTunes: https://rb.gy/exmyx

ABOUT THE PROJECT: https://mmk.kumainternational.org

The foundation of the “Music in My Suitcase” project rests on a simple yet profoundly emotional idea: music knows no boundaries; music speaks all languages. While headlines about the migrant crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina are decreasing in the media, the need for understanding and integrating people on the move remains. This is precisely what Kuma International strives to achieve through this innovative initiative. The project’s core concept is to connect people on the move – who leave their homes and heritage behind while escaping conflicts and uncertainty – with the local community through a shared language, such as music. The Kuma International project team, with the local band BalkanEros and migrants from the Ušivak reception center and in cooperation with and financed by CRS, conducted ten music workshops where knowledge about the musical heritages of the migrants’ home countries was transmitted through songs and collaborative music-making. As the workshops’ output, an album of ten songs was recorded. The project culminates in a concert where we meet again with our guests from the temporary migrant camps and where the album is presented. The concert is not merely a musical event; it’s a powerful message about the importance of understanding and support among people. Our guests will hear songs that are more than music, and the origin of these songs takes us along the same “migrant route” crossed by travelers coming to our country.

ABOUT THE SONG:

Miriam Makeba, the original singer of the song Pata Pata, faced with the cruelty of apartheid in South Africa, and at one point had to leave her country, becoming a migrant herself. With the song “Pata Pata” she gave hope and optimism to people all over the world. The song became a kind of anthem for all those who are different because it gave them a sense of togetherness and belonging. The combination of traditional African rhythms with elements of contemporary music created a unique sound, which, due to its simplicity and universality, transcends all cultural and political boundaries. The song “Pata Pata”, because of the joy and carelessness which it awakens in people, resonates deeply among all those who face life’s trials. It is a reminder that music has the power to cheer up and connect people, to provide support, and to express universal emotions, which transcend language and cultural barriers.

LYRICS:

Saguquga sathi bega nantsi Pata Pata
Saguquga sathi bega nantsi Pata Pata
Saguquga sathi bega nantsi Pata Pata
Saguquga sathi bega nantsi Pata Pata

Hiyo mama hiyo ma nantsi Pata Pata
Hiyo mama hiyo ma nantsi Pata Pata
Hiyo mama hiyo ma nantsi Pata Pata
Hiyo mama hiyo ma nantsi Pata Pata

“Pata Pata” is the name of a dance
we do down BalkanEros way.
And everybody starts to move
as soon as “Pata Pata” starts to play.

Every Friday and Saturday night
it’s “Pata Pata” time.
The dance keeps going all night long
till the morning sun begins to shine!