Signed a deal ... but I need help!

[Mike Barresi]

Hi everyone,

I signed an African inspired tune to a successful library in LA. I have one problem... they would like a translation of the lyrics. Is anyone a scholar in African linguistics? Or can recommend one?

the song is posted on my hosting page. It is titled Grassland Plains and Low Hills.

taxi.com/mikebarresi

thanks
MIKE

[davewalton]

First... that's a really nice track.

You might try a local university. I'm guessing that these were loops from an ethnic vocal library or something like that? You might try contacting them to see if they have a translation. Just doing a quick Google shows that there are about 2000 languages spoken in Africa. Hopefully this is one of the more common ones.

[Mike Barresi]

thanks Dave,

yeah those are loops, heavily edited to fit the piece melodically and rhythmically. I have put a few emails out to universities. I guessing that this is my best chance for success!

[mazz]

I would try contacting the sound library developer. At least they might be able to tell you what language it is.

[dotted8]

Hi Mike, cool sounding song...

Here is a link to the United Nations Information Centers list of African nations broken down by country with a contact person and email address. Maybe one of these folks can point you in the right direction. http://unic.un.org/factsheet/Default.aspx

I see that you are in Canada. You may also one to check to see what African nations have a consulate up there and maybe reach out to them...

[matto]

Have you told the library that these are legal samples off a commercial sample CD and you have no idea what the meaning is?
The vocals are fairly buried in this song so they may be okay with this...

If not, I'm with mazz, the sample CD manufacturer would be my first stop.

One trend I have noticed with world music among the more discriminating libraries out there, is that they are moving away from using sample CD phrases in favor of "real" lyrics and singers whenever possible.

Just FYI...

[Mike Barresi]

I haven't tried contacting the library yet. But i might just do that if these university emails fail.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

mike