Ka bu bai (Don’t leave) gives life to the feeling of emptiness.
The anxious goodbye when a lover has to leave yet the warmth of the last embrace makes distance impossible to bear.
Karyna Gomes (GBR) is bringing us a gentle side, a song that celebrates the fragility of love when distance is mandatory.
In the videoclip released yesterday, her partner is portrayed by Welket Bungué: A man who is about to travel, migrate or simply go back to another life and a woman who stays longing for each step, sight and hurdles her lover will overcome until they meet again.
We have gotten used to Karyna’s progressive feminist anthems, with Ka bu bai she continues to give essence to the versatility and uniqueness of African women, making it easy to stand in the shoes of her story without questions, with no judgments.
Artist: Karyna Gomes
Song: Ka bu bai (2026)
Country: Guinea-Bissau
You can watch Karyna Gomes live at Clube B.Leza in Lisbon on the 24th of July where she will present her latest album, Kantigas di liberdade (Songs of freedom).
Lyrics Ka bu bai
(Ernesto Dabó/Karyna Gomes translated by Fátima Sani)
Dapi bu ka ruma mala inda
You are yet to finish packing,
Ali nha sakôs perta dja”
and my bags are already full.
Tok i na skua dissidju ku saudadi
So much that they overflow desire with sorrow (saudade)
Na biás
During your trip
Si bu djubi séu
If you see up to the sky
Si bu odja mar
If you look out to the sea
Sara udjus
Close your eyes
Bu na sinti n’pembiu
You will feel my embrace
N’na tufliu santado
I´ll braid you love
Té óra ku bu Korda
Until the time you wake up
Sin mi
Without me
Ku ukessa di bô
do not forget yourself
Nha Kodê
My darling
Ka bu lundjusi
Don’t be far (don’t distance yourself)
Ka bu tarda
Don’t be late
Ka bu bai nan!
Just don’t go.
Tem pasensa ka bu bai (repeat)
Please (be kind), don’t go.
