PULIKA ft. Kupa, Luki, Nyago & Suffix
Named after the EP, “Pulika” is a poignant song addressing the trauma and shame associated with gender-based violence. Through the voices of Kupa, Luki, Nyago, and Suffix, the lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil experienced by survivors. Suffix expresses the embarrassment and societal pressure faced by victims, questioning the lack of empathy and understanding from others. Nyago’s refrain “Pulika,” meaning ‘listen,’ echoes the plea for attention to the pain and suffering of survivors. Kupa reflects on feelings of worthlessness and the struggle to be heard and understood. Luki24 7 shares a deeply personal narrative, recounting the anguish and powerlessness of being a victim. The song confronts societal norms, victim-blaming, and the psychological toll of abuse, urging listeners to recognize the gravity of such experiences and to offer support and empathy.
Lyrics
(Verse 1 – Suffix)
Zikundipangitsa manyazi
Khalidwe lanji amuna kukanika kuteteza mkazi
Nkhanza kupanda chisoni
Kuipa mtima, tilibe ma morals pogwirira mxii
Koma mumanva bwanji
(Verse 2 – Nyago)
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Pulika pulika
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Umo nilili ndimo nilili (ntchifukwa yayi)
Ndimo Chiuta walikunilengela (kubamwali)
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Pulika eeeee eeeehh
(Verse 3 – Kupa)
I had thoughts of ending it suspending it
Felt like a deficit, an empty thing
How dare you decide why my body was created
An enemy inside that your actions have created
I need to be heard
I need to be heard
(Verse 4 – Nyago)
Pulika iyee
Pulika Pulika Pulika
(Verse 5 – Luki24 7)
Let the curtains close up
I was ashamed, I could not be stronger
Mad cause they say that it’s all my fault now
Mad cause my body’s causing me this trauma
Scars a reminder
Blood dripping between my legs
Feeling really stupid I should’ve fought him instead
How could I speak, I was underage
They should’ve helped me, they ignored me instead
So I block out the real world
I imagine a better version of my story where I’m not abused
But it comes back in the real world
A repetition of history where I still
Don’t get to choose
Social media and trolls
They make it worse so I scroll up and punch walls
I wanna speak, but I don’t really got words
If I talked the way you talk then how would you feel
If I stood around the corner throwing insults at your body
Objectifying your image, licking my lips like you’re dinner
Watching the lights getting dimmer, then how would you feel
Would you call it ‘chills’?
Would you call it overreacting and nothing real?
I’m not tryna cause drama this is how I feel
There’s a darkness in my head and it’s really real
(Verse 6 – Nyago)
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Ndilila ine
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Pulika pulika
Ndilila ine
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Umo nilili ndimo nilili (ntchifukwa yayi)
Ndimo Chiuta walikunilengela (kubamwali)
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Pulika iiihhh eeeehh
Pulika pulika pulika pulika
Kunipweteka yayi
Mwanipweteka, pulika pulika
Eeelele iyeee
Eeelele iyeee
Ehhhh
Pulika eh, pulika
—