Kileeme is finally out and its time for a reflection!

On the 22nd of november 2022,  Nsay ki la released a new song titled “KILEEME”. Running 03:31 in duration, the track is a fusion of Mbakelum (a Cameroonian local genre) with Amapiano of South Africa. It was produced by Marc Eff of Kovapot. It gives a good feeling, and creates that involuntary eagerness to move the body to the rhythm.

The word “kileéme” (noun) in Lamnso’ means “a wound”. It might seem like a strange title. However, it fits perfectly well to carry the message of the song. The refrain of the song “wirdzèm wáa yen a kileéme” means “let everyone beware of a wound (= getting wounded)”.

Real Life Context

“Kileeme” is a reflection on real situations of how people tend to treat others. It is a caution: beware, not everyone is nice out there. “Watch where you stand, where you land; look then you leap”. The track is also an encouragement to take care of one’s circle: “Watch for the band, hold the hand, then you can leap”. And later on, it says: “Tír fə́r oo!” (advize your kindred!)

Many thinkers, right from ancient, times have reflected on the inhumanity of humans to others. The popular phrase “homus homini lupus est” (man is wolf to man) goes as far back as the fifth century. It, however, is a description of what the song is about. Man is to fellow man what the wolf is to other animals. Nevertheless, Nsay ki la uses are more locally relevant image: the Nso’ proverbial locust!

There’s a Nso’ proverb which says: “Yii kfə́r ŋguùmí sí vitú vév” (It is only the locusts that eat up themselves. It makes perfect sense then when the song says “Wíri sí kfə́n ji ŋguùmé sí” (people are becoming like the proverbial locusts). There’s so much real life testimony of this happening weekly, for fear of saying daily.

Remember God

The song is not simply a cry about how people treat others and to be careful, but there’s an element that such not be missed. This is the recitation after the first refrain, and then after the second. The first time it only says, “Á kuumé Nyùy mà” (remember God!). The second time, there is the addition: “kiŋsìn wun wón və́!” (it is he that protects his children).

Not being a sung part of the track, this can easily be missed out. Sometimes we cannot be too careful. And in the end, true safety and protection comes from God. That is why is necessary to have trust and confidence in Him.

From this perspective, therefore, Kileeme queues up behind the Psalms of trust and confidence in God’s protection. An example is Psalm 91. The Psalmist is conscious of the evil and trouble around, but also of the safety that is found only in God’s protection. Similar Psalms include Psalms 46, 34, 27. And so, “Kileeme” says: Remember God! It is he that protects his children.

Mini Turning-Point

Getting such songs from Nsay ki la is not a familiar thing. He is more known for his religious music compositions. Far from being a deviation, it is somewhat of turning point in his music. He said that he would do much more of such “non-religious” music, and in addition, paying more attention to quality.

He is a Cameroonian songwriter and singer, who being a priest, has been using social and mass media for evangelization and integral development of the human person. He has many songs on streaming platforms, and if “Kileeme” is a kind of turning point, then there is still much more to expect from him.

Whatever the case, “Kileeme” is a song you would likely listen to many times, and add to your playlist as you dance along. Only, just make sure you do not get wounded.