Meaning of “Batuka” by Madonna

Madonna’s “Batuka” was influenced by a musical genre known as “Batuque”, which has its origins in Cape Verde, an island off the coast of West Africa. Cape Verde was an important part of the African slave trade particularly for Portugal, the European country which once colonized it. And Batuque, being a traditional music, was accordingly influenced by this experience. Indeed the genre can even be interpreted as a symbol against oppression, having survived an overt attempt to suppress it by, according to Madonna’s own words, “the Church”. And it is from this disposition that she has embraced Batuque on this particular song, featuring artists with the style and even naming the track after it. 

Indeed this is perhaps as close the Queen of Pop will ever get to dropping an old African spiritual. As is common with African musical genres from the slave-trade era, this song has a strong religious undertone. 

But who is the “Old Man” from “Batuka”?

Madonna uses a line from the lyrics to speak out against perceived injustices, which is also reflective of music from that period. For instance, she references an “old man” who should be “put… in a jail”. Some have speculated that she is actually talking about US President Donald Trump, with Madonna being an outspoken critic of his divisive policies. However, in a broader context it can be interpreted as if she is speaking out against a male personification of oppression in general. In other words, particularly in this part of the song, she presents herself as someone who is “stand(ing) tall” against tyranny.

A truly spiritual/religious song

 And in the bridge of the track is where we find this song’s overt religious references, with Madonna and the Batukadeiras Orchestra chanting “hallelujah” and “amen”. This not only alludes to their spiritual beliefs but also to the fact they are engaged in some type of journey/struggle which they are seeking divine favor in order to overcome.

“Batuka” is against oppression

 So in all, we can say that in this song Madonna takes the disposition of an oppressed person or someone who sympathizes with such individuals – something she has done in varying capacities in the past. The track is influenced by traditional African music, but at no point does she make a direct reference to Africa or any particular place or person. Or put differently, “Batuka” is intentionally ambiguous, with its overall message seemingly being to encourage those who suffer from oppressive circumstances to continue on the “long” road towards freedom.

Conclusion

Despite the above, “Batuka” is necessarily not meant to be a song that focuses entirely on resistance. Rather as Madonna put it, this track “a religious experience” and “total celebration of life”. So all things considered, we can say that she perceives life as a struggle in and of itself. But at the same time the religious aspect of the song is meant to signify an overall appreciation of living, as in giving praise for being alive.

Official Music Video for “Batuka”

The music video to “Batuka” premiered on 19 July 2019. Contrary to what many think, it wasn’t filmed in Cape Verde. It was filmed in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. It was directed by Emmanuel Adjei and features Madonna along with her collaborators, The Batukadeiras Orchestra. 

It is noteworthy to mention that not a single male appears in the video.

A collaboration between Madonna and The Batukadeiras Orchestra

Madonna made this song in collaboration with The Batukadeiras Orchestra (of Portugal). This orchestra is a collection of women who have kept the Batuque tradition alive in Portugal.

Madonna discovered them near “a tiny club in the middle of nowhere”. Madonna instantly took an affinity to their music and dancing the moment she saw them.

The Batukadeiras Orchestra also serves as Madonna’s backup singers (i.e. choir) during her live performances for other songs in addition to “Batuka”.

Writers of “Batuka”

This highly spiritual song was written and produced by Madonna and one of her long-time collaborators, Mirwais Ahmadzaï.

Release Date

“Batuka” is one of the tracks on Madonna’s hit Madame X album. This album is Madonna’s 14^th studio album. “Batuka” came out with the album on 14 June 2019.