Ziya-po ya-ya, pa-pa-ya-pa!
Ti-da-lee, na po-po pu-du-loo!
Ste-na-peh na-na po po-ro po!
Africa unite:
‘Cause we’re moving right out of Babylon
And we’re going to our Father’s land, yea-ea
How good and how pleasant it would be before God and man, yea-eah!
To see the unification of all Africans, yeah!
As it’s been said already, let it be done, yeah!
We are the children of the Rastaman
We are the children of the Iyaman
So-o, Africa unite:
‘Cause the children (Africa unite) wanna come home
Africa unite:
‘Cause we’re moving right out of Babylon, yea
And we’re grooving to our Father’s land, yea-ea
How good and how pleasant it would be before God and man
To see the unification of all Rastaman, yeah
As it’s been said already, let it be done!
I tell you who we are under the sun:
We are the children of the Rastaman
We are the children of the Iyaman
So-o: Africa unite
Afri – Africa unite, yeah!
Unite for the benefit (Africa unite) for the benefit of your people!
Unite for it’s later (Africa unite) than you think!
Unite for the benefit (Africa unite) of my children!
Unite for it’s later (Africa uniting) than you think!
Africa awaits (Africa unite) its creators!
Africa awaiting (Africa uniting) its Creator!
Africa, you’re my (Africa unite) forefather cornerstone!
Unite for the Africans (Africa uniting) abroad
Unite for the Africans (Africa unite) a yard!
Uniting the Continent: The Heart of “Africa Unite”
“Africa Unite” by Bob Marley is a powerful anthem calling for unity among Africans and the African diaspora. The lyrics are a passionate plea for people of African heritage to come together and move away from the figurative ‘Babylon’—a symbol of oppression and division—towards a shared homeland and spiritual belonging. Marley emphasizes the joy and harmony that would come from unification, highlighting the importance of collective identity and the spiritual roots of the Rastafarian movement. The repeated call to unite “for the benefit of your people” and the urgency in “it’s later than you think” serve as a rallying cry for immediate action and solidarity. The song’s message resonates universally, encouraging listeners to embrace their heritage and work together for a better future.
Song Credits
Artist: Bob Marley
Songwriters: Bob Marley
Release Year: 1979
Label: Island Records