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"Makidada" is a song featured in the 1985 film The Color Purple, based on the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The song is composed by Quincy Jones and written by Jones, Menno Meyjes, and Rod Temperton.

Background[]

The word "makidada" is a coined term by Walker, combining the Swahili word "dada" (sister) with the element "maki" (which has another meaning in Swahili). The song is a hand-clap rhyme sung by the sisters Celie and Nettie, who vow never to part or be separated from one another. It represents their bond and love, as well as their resistance to the oppression and abuse they face in their lives. The song is performed three times in the film: once when they are children, once when their father separates them, and once when they are reunited after many years.

Lyrics[]

One makidada
Two makidada
Three makidada

Four, five makidada
Six makidada
Seven makidada More

Makidada, makidada
You and me, us never part
Makidada, makidada
You and me, us have one heart

Makidada, makidada
Ain't no ocean, ain't no sea
Makidada, makidada
Keep my sister away from me


v - e - d
The Color Purple transparent logo
Media
The Color Purple (soundtrack/video) • The Color Purple (2023) (soundtrack/video)
Books: The Color Purple
Characters
Celie Harris JohnsonNettie HarrisShug AveryMiss MillieSofiaAlbert JohnsonHarpo JohnsonMary AgnesMamaOl' Mister JohnsonSamuel AveryFirst LadyAlphonso HarrisHenry BroadnaxGrady
Locations
GeorgiaAfricaMemphisHarpo's Juke JointCelie's Fancy PantsMister's HouseElmira Movie TheaterGeneral StoreDeadwood BeachShug's HouseTennessee
Songs
1985 film: MakidadaJunk Bucket BluesThe Dirty DozensMiss Celie's Blues (Sister)Don't Make Me No Never Mind (Slow Drag)Heaven Belongs to YouOld Ship of ZionMaybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'Hot LipsScarification Chant and Katutoku CorinneBody and Soul
2023 film: Huckleberry PieMysterious WaysShe Be MineKeep It Movin'Lily of the FieldWorkin'Too Beautiful for WordsH--- No!Arkansas BluesShug AverySing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)Shake That ThingDear God - ShugProve It On Me Blues(It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes AlongPush Da ButtonWhat About Love?AgooHeaven Help This Heart Of MineMy Faith Looks Up To TheeMiss Celie's Pants(What Did I Do To Be So) Black And BlueI'm HereThe Color PurpleSuperpower (I)
Music From and Inspired By: Risk It AllNo Love LostLifelineFinallyWhen I Can't Do BetterThere Will Come a DayAny WorseYou See MeAll I Need100EternityNo TimeGirls
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