Really TRUE odd factoids

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Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
The song "When The Lion Sleeps"......also known as Wim-a-way was originally written and recorded in the 1930s.
It was a Zulu song protesting against British rule.
The words Wim a Way were Zulu for "the lion" and looked for the time they would re-awaken against British rule.
 

Tribansman

Veteran
The song "When The Lion Sleeps"......also known as Wim-a-way was originally written and recorded in the 1930s.
It was a Zulu song protesting against British rule.
The words Wim a Way were Zulu for "the lion" and looked for the time they would re-awaken against British rule.
Interesting that. And reminds me of the classic joke...what were the last five results for Lion King FC?

A win away
A win away
A win away
A win away
A win away
 

bruce1530

Guru
Location
Ayrshire
The song "When The Lion Sleeps"......also known as Wim-a-way was originally written and recorded in the 1930s.
It was a Zulu song protesting against British rule.
The words Wim a Way were Zulu for "the lion" and looked for the time they would re-awaken against British rule.
The bit about re-awakening against British rule was, I think, Pete Seeger's story. There's also a story about the "sleeping lion" referring to dead African chiefs.

"Wimoweh" was an anglification of "Mbube" ("em-boo-bay") - the original "Mbube" was allegedly written by Solomon Linda in South Africa, but based on an older song and rhythm. "Mbube" means "Lion".

The stuff about the "lion sleeps tonight" was added in the 50s by american writers.

Solomon Linda died in poverty, having signed away (despite being unable to read) the rights for something like ten shillings. It was much later that his family were able to gain access to the royalties.
 
Alfa is Italian for lemon.
 
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