La Traduction et l’alternance de code linguistique dans la musique de Yemi Alade

Abstract

This article focuses on the links between translation and code-switching in selected songs by Yemi Alade. The songs under study were originally composed and interpreted in English before being translated into French. The original lyrics do not translate the instances where Yoruba and Igbo code-switching occurs, whereas the French versions frequently translate such instances. The article argues that these translations of code-switching serve to re-examine preconceived notions about a song and its translation. The argument demonstrates that it is possible for a song to ‘gain’ in translation, and this is illustrated by Alade’s translated songs. The article also focuses on the extent to which the Derridean perspective of the supplement and that of différance can be applied to music translation. The four songs ‘Johnny’, ‘K-I-S-S-I-N-G’, ‘Africa’ and ‘Ferrari’ have been chosen because they feature instances of code-switching. The article looks at the degree to which one can talk about loss during translation and the supplementary meanings of language in the four songs. finally, it reflects on the implications of linguistic choices for a musician in postcolonial Africa; ordinarily, African writers are the ones who are interrogated regarding language choice, but the question of language is one which confronts every form of art on the continent.