A prominent Haitian musician, Reginald Cange has been known for his eloquent songs that often carry deep and resonating messages.
One such song is “Egal Ego,” a compelling narrative that calls for reevaluating societal norms, particularly in the context of gender equality and the significance of honesty in relationships.
The Lyrics – A Brief Overview
The song “Egal Ego” is sung predominantly in Haitian Creole, with some lines in English. It presents a narrative that confronts dishonesty in relationships, calls for gender equality, and emphasizes the consequences of deception.
The Message – Honesty, Respect, and Equality
Honesty in Relationships
Throughout the song, Cange emphasizes the importance of honesty in a relationship. The repeated line, “Pa banm manti,” which translates to “Don’t lie to me,” signals the plea for truthfulness.
The verse, “Cherie, mwen dekouvri’w, Men mwen femen je’m, Pa banm manti,” indicates the narrator’s awareness of deceit but chooses to turn a blind eye, yet insists on transparency.
Call for Equality
One of the central themes of “Egal Ego” is gender equality. Cange’s message is clear and straightforward – men and women have the same needs, and it’s high time society stopped pretending otherwise.
The repeated phrase “Egal Ego,” which directly translates to “Equal Ego,” serves as an anthem for gender equality, a call for society to recognize and respect the capabilities of both genders equally.
Consequences of Deception
Cange doesn’t shy away from addressing the consequences of dishonesty. The lines, “There’s a price to pay, Si’w banm manti” warns of repercussions when trust is broken.
This repeated theme throughout the song emphasizes honesty’s significant role in a relationship’s success and the potential downfall when it’s absent.
Zafem Egal Ego Lyrics:
Ou pa gen kouraj pou’w we lot la fel
Ni ou pap janme genyen fyel pou’w pa fel
Si yon jou’l ta deside li di se jou pa’l
Ou gentan jwenn tout jouman pou’w ba’l
Fanm ak gason gen menm bezwen
Egal Ego
Fok nou sispann jwe bosal
Ou tande
Cherie, mwen dekouvri’w
Men mwen femen je’m
Pa banm manti
You’re free, do you baby
There’s a price to pay
Si’w banm manti
Si’w bay nan pam lan
Se p’on aksidan
Mwen pa vle jwe teyate
M’gen bon Intuition
Ou fe’l plizye fwa
Se p’on revelasyon
Si’w kontinye fe fo pa
Wap jwenn pinisyon
Ou ka jere love la
Cherie, mwen dekouvri’w
Men mwen femen je’m
Pa banm manti
Pa banm manti
You’re free, do you baby
M’alez ave’w
There’s a price to pay
Si’w banm manti
Again si’w bay nan pam lan
Se p’on aksidan
Mwen pa vle jwe teyat
M’gen bon Intuition
Ou fe’l plizye fwa
Se p’on revelasyon
Si’w kontinye fe fo pa
Wap jwenn pinisyon
Ou ka tonbe nan pelen
Yon vagabon
Pouki se nan bouch moun, map konenw gen lot moun
Pou jan’m byen ave’w
Oh
Cheri a fe’m sezi
Pouki se nan bouch moun, map konen’w gen lot moun
Ak sa’m we la kot respe’m lan ye
eee m’ap mande’w
Deja we sou ki bit mwen kanpe
Eeeh tout bouje’w
Ak sa’m we la kot respe’m lan ye, e e e
eee m’ap mande’w
Tout fanm ak nonm, byen
Mesye ak medam yo egal ego
Tout sa yon nonm ka fe
Medam yo kapab fel, Menm fel pi byen
Fo’n pa janm minimize yo
Tout fanm ak nonm,
Mesye ak medam yo egal ego
M’konnen genyen’k pap dako non
Tout sa yon nonm ka fe, Nou egal, yes…
Medam yo kapab fel, Menm fel pi byen
Fo’n pa janm miminze yo
Ak sa’m we la kot respe’m lan ye
eee m’ap mande’w
Deja we sou ki bit mwen kanpe
Eeeh tout bouje’w
Ak sa’m we la kot respe’m lan ye E E
Manman
A Timeless Message
Reginald Cange’s “Egal Ego” encapsulates an enduring message that transcends cultures and generations.
The song serves as a reminder that honesty is the foundation of any relationship and that respect and equality should be the norm rather than the exception.
“Egal Ego” is more than a song; it’s a social commentary, a call to action, and an ode to truth, respect, and equality.
