Ijexá [English translation]

Sons of Gandhi, badauê1

Ylê ayiê,malê debalê,otum obá1

There's a mystery

That beats in the heart

The strength of a song

That has the gift of enchanting

There's a mystery

That beats in the heart

The strength of a song

That has the gift of enchanting

It's glow seems like

A shed sun

A silver sky

A sea of stars

Reveals the weightlessness

Of a suffering people

Of rare beauty

That lives singing

Profound greatness

It's richness

Comes from the past

From the congado2

I am sure

Daughters of Gandhi

Eh great people

Ojuladê,katendê,babá obá1

Grandchildren of Gandhi

People of Zambi

Brings to you

A new sound: Ijexá1

1. a. b. c. d.

Apparently these words refer to hierarchical positions in Afro-Brazilian traditions.

I found an article in Portuguese explaining the meaning of the verses marked with 1.:

http://www.samba-choro.com.br/s-c/tribuna/samba-choro.0205/0484.html

When I have the opportunity I'll translate it.2. Afro-Brazilian traditional festivities in which the coronation of the King of Congo is recreated.