Who sang Buffalo Soldier first? Bob Marley or Giddes Chalamanda?

Who was the first to sing "Buffalo Soldier"? Bob Marley or Giddes Chalamanda?
In this video, I'll break down the lyrics of both songs and show you how they match up, phrase by phrase. I'll also compare the melodies and chord progressions in order to help you determine who the true author of this song is.
A man called Giddes Chalamanda from Malawi claimed that he composed the song Buffalo Soldier. He recorded his version in 1974, four years before Bob Marley's recording of it. There are similarities between their songs: both have different lyrics and rhythms but share some resemblance to one another. So, who was the first to sing the song?
You can listen to the full songs by clicking the links below:
• Bob Marley & The Waile... (Buffalo Soldier: Bob Marley)
• Giddes Chalamanda - Bu... (Buffalo Soldier: Giddes Chalamanda
Buffalo Soldier: Bob Marley & The Wailers performing Buffalo Soldier. (C) 2003 Universal-Island Records Ltd.
#shorts

[@innocentmanyera1861]

Giddes Chalamanda deserve respect and recognition as well. This is a true indication that there are lot talents in Africa, Malawi 🇲🇼 to be particular thet needs to be recognised and acknowledged. Big up Agide 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@victorndlovu663]

You don't stop man. We can't hear anyone but you!

[@WeMake_Kenya]

Chalamanda is the originator of buffalo soldier and he deserves credit. Both Marley and Chalamanda are legends

[@MeshackNdzimandze]

Bob Marley developed someone's song...that song belong to Chalamanda

[@leenaamwaalwa3567]

Same title, similar message, different genres, two different great artists who selflessly shared their talent with the world. Ours is to love and support them.

[@hannibalwandibba1251]

you nailed it

[@user-vm7bj6iz5p]

you said it all dear, from sierra leone, west africa

[@lyriswalker8203]

It’s good that Africa can claim Buffalo Soldier but we are also the Buffalo Soldiers that was taken from Africa to the heart of the Caribbean. So it’s OK for Bob to take it and make it creative and Sing it. Jamaicans are very creative. And we got all our rhythm from Africa. One Love.

[@theoted319]

Doesnt hurt to tell the trueth, lyk wise history always a history.

[@georgeebassar2165]

After all Jamacan are the roots of Africa.

[@mellow_keys8618]

I guess people don’t have ears to hear that an old man is singing the song with digital instruments in 1974. No logic no common sense.

[@theoted319]

My friend dats backward.

[@theoted319]

Trees never grow from leaves to root, in another word african were forced to jamaica, otherwise other trees grown upside down. Correct knowledge or else back to school cuz this piece of history already been done n not even genius can change it!

[@richardmasina5454]

Wow never thought of the similarities in both artists, but Bob just polished it from Gides because of the availability of the instruments used while Chalamanda sang traditionally, kudos to these two great Africans

[@exkay1513]

Everyone sang it traditionally, African tradition and Jamaican stuff

[@lassohamoonga6000]

Chalamanda sang it Malawi style then Marley nailed it international style to last for generations. Both are Legends

[@angelicamatewere3681]

Chalamanda sang the song first

[@cozyoudeserveit2635]

Bob did a remix of the song. Chalamanda deserves the credit for the song's creation.

[@wonasololenard1376]

U love Africa

[@thetruth3775]

Chalamanda Buffalo Soldier was foolishness. I don’t know how anyone can compare both songs and believe them to be the same. Everyone here should go on KZbin and listen to the banana split song that was recorded in the 60s.

[@patrickmulamboruhurumba4639]

@@thetruth3775 just listen to the message don't just talk only, Bob was a big singer so he couldn't sang in the same rhythm as it's prohibited in the music industry

[@timbs1572]

The difference between the two is the level of energy and optimism that Bob expressed which makes it outstanding.

[@michaquezacarias1528]

Bob Marley's Buffalo Soldier sounds more like a part II song from Giddes Chalamanda's one. He begins telling the story of a child who dreamed to go to America and Bob Marley ends it up telling the consequences of that, one of them which is ending up forgetting your roods and live your life fighting for the wrong side and against your own motherland. From Giddes Chalamanda it was a dream sharing song but from Bob Marley it was a warning song.

[@davaanpaul2762]

Perfect observation

[@joossa666]

Nice analogy. Thank you

[@kingallowanceumunnakwe7104]

Nothing on debate can change the direction of this idea... Infact this is the third understanding of the song as sang already from the two legends. Giddes @Foresight Bob's @Insight The overall look of comparisons brought us @Hindsight. "Am ALLOWANCE" from Nigeria. Long live AFRICANS and AFRICA.

[@dapootolasun1852]

Nice thought

[@zdfmidmzezewa5730]

🎉❤

[@nathanielkpaahkpai9120]

It's very clear here that the song was first done by Giddes Chalamanda despite Bob Marley's version which came later and was more popular during our age. They both may not have sung it the exact way or with the same exact words but that doesn't matter. Thanks.

[@thetruth3775]

Where is the proof that Giddes recorded that song in 1974?

[@violetntonya1379]

a beautiful song done by two different legends!!I wish Bob Marley was still alive so we could have them do a remix. maaaaaaan that would have been so great to watch and listen to!!!!

[@isaacpodah2065]

³

[@rajabumwero731]

True legend deserves fully respect. ❤❤❤❤Giddes Challamanda.

[@Gojo.608]

One of my favorite songs . I remembered dancing to that song . In my beautiful isle of spice Grenada . Bob Marley is a legend . I will always love him and his music .

[@abubakarisadiqueibrahim481]

I believe Giddis to be the originator of the song no doubt at all. But I also like the fact that Bob perfected it. Big ups to both.

[@francissakala6367]

It could be true how many things that us Africans have done first but because they are not recorded and same one up there in Europe does it and keeps it on record they become founders e.g David Livingstone when he came to northern Rhodesia he found people who lived along the Zambezi river and took him to the falls along the river where he claimed to have discovered the falls and named Victoria falls....Giddis sung that song first you where not there...🤔

[@omobanedo9602]

What do you mean Bob Marley perfected it? What a heck is that? The original cannot be perfected, think my friend! You cannot tell a musician how to sing his first original song! Everybody could be perfecting any song if there is no law of such as copyright! Think, he stole the copyright from the African man, I am mad about not giving the reverence to THE AFRICAN MAN!

[@omobanedo9602]

@@francissakala6367 What do you mean Bob Marley perfected it? What a heck is that? The original cannot be perfected, think my friend! You cannot tell a musician how to sing his first original song! Everybody could be perfecting any song if there is no law of such as copyright! Think, he stole the copyright from the African man, I am mad about not giving the reverence to THE AFRICAN MAN!

[@mellow_keys8618]

The internet is in your hands and people just keep spewing misinformation

[@mellow_keys8618]

And people don’t have ears lol. How you hear pure digital and say yes this in 1974

[@LouisOLOA]

It's clear that every artist inspires himself from others artists...but it's better to give a little percentage of copyrights to the artists who inspire you...but it's not so easy to do, blessings to both and to you all

[@Yardie1682]

Every artist takes inspiration from somewhere

[@samgills1736]

My concern is ... how many of these new generation artists will have their songs played after 44 years? 🎵 Kudos to the Legends, *Thank you for everything* .

[@hulisaniramabulana5035]

Very few if not none 🤣🤣🤣

[@friesiamans1966]

@@hulisaniramabulana5035 you´re kidding...

[@kateetejohnbosco4463]

of arcourse Sam i conquar with the artist of new generation.sing much different to old musicians. Newly musicians their song cant last for years.thanx very much. Bosco from uganda

[@friesiamans1966]

@@kateetejohnbosco4463 oh, this is exactly what the very old ones thought about the old artists with all their electric guitars and stuff - every generation has a new way of expressing and every generation thinks they are the bestest... :-) during the recent years i have been revisiting my old musical heroes, because i wanted to show my son a few of them - it started in the late 60s with pop rock music of that time - i read thousands of comments and under every single 60s band or artist i could read: this band was underrated and far ahead of their time! they only produced the best albums in the world! so i went on, 70s music, almost the same - there i learned: who doesn´t like disco has no taste! 80s (which i didn´t like so much), the fans also claim they had the best music - 90s hiphop, the fans even claim they had the REAL music (which all fans say b.t.w.), although their music consists mainly of samples from older music... well, i also like 30s/40s music and there: this artist plays all modern musicians in the ground! a.s.o. and even when i went to classical music, the first comment i read was this: we got to be aware that all so called pop music is nothing but dross! it´s ridiculous, because it shows the arrogance of the listeners, like: "i have the best taste i am a menber of the best generation" - it may be nice to feel that way, but it has not much to do with reality - time will show... when techno started in the 90s (it started earlier, but became famous then) no one thought it would last long - now we have 2022 and it´s still there and prospering well... hey bosco, thank you for answering, i appreciate that yout took the time... btw. i have a record with "aluar horns" from uganda on it and that is among the most impressive music i have encountered in my life - do you know it? is this music still made today? i send love and greetings from germany

[@friesiamans1966]

@@kateetejohnbosco4463 do you happen to know dr. namadingo from malawi? he is a new artist, and i think he is just brilliant! he even sang together with giddes - he was here in germany in 2018 not 30 kms from where i live - so sad i din´t know him then - i hope he will come again some day, then i will go to his concert... :-)

[@sizwemendu5278]

Both are beautiful songs and both are sang by sons of Africa, anything else doesn't matter 🇿🇦

[@MakeNoise280]

Whether it is Bob first or Gide we love both as they all have a lot in common. One AfroMusic.

[@symand3789]

Bob Marley recorded Buffalo Soldier after he visited Zimbabwe 🇿🇼. In which Giddes was already known with the song. Marley enjoyed the song because of his reputation international. Nevertheless both Giddes and Bob Marley are singing a story that was written in the book about Buffalo Soldiers

[@isaacmwanza462]

Bob visited Zimbabwe in 1980. His Song was recorded in 1978.

[@symand3789]

@@isaacmwanza462 you are talking about concert visit in 80. We are talking of records of visiting as individual.

[@drumcdoo9050]

Totally agree, Giddes version has a tradittional African beat whereas Bob's has Reggae beat. What Bob did was turn the song around using Gede's original influence and make it a masterpiece. Being a designer I often get influence from previous ideas or add two or three together and come out with something that substantially improves the original concept. For instance, designed a retro motor home using influences from Lesley Green, the Architect who designed the London Underground, Kate Winslet roof trrrace form a scene on the bow of Titanic, ZZ Top for an idea on their Eliminator album and European Airstream caravans plus original idess ending up with a retro/surf/deco theme. In the same way music is often sub-conciously or deliberately copied and always will be. We should applaud new variations of music ~ of course giving credit to those who gave initial influence in some way, so they too may be acknowledged. It is not necessarily the reward that is important, but the accolation as opposed to blatent theft which is important to the originator.

[@mellow_keys8618]

This wasn’t recorded in 1974 the piano is clearly some type of Roland,digitized drums give it up too easy. Maybe the man mean it’s was recorded in 1994 not 1974. Go and google what music from Africa recorded in 1974 sound like.

[@benbutler1102]

Word....totally well said👍🏻✊🏻👊🏻

[@limbanimagomero6588]

@@mellow_keys8618 this is not the one that was recorded in 1974. There is another one with a banjo only by the same Giddes. This is the one that was recorded in 2015

[@mellow_keys8618]

@@limbanimagomero6588 there is no African version from the 70s on the internet meaning it didn’t exist. There are multiple recorded versions of Buffalo soldier by Bob nothing else online. Send the link.

[@limbanimagomero6588]

@@mellow_keys8618 You're right there's nothing on the Internet but you may wish to know that we grew up listening to the song on the radio here in Malawi. This is a matter of fact and I will not be able to argue further

[@delasiewynter621]

Based on your explanation both song name Buffalo Soldiers and that’s where the similarities ends

[@linostembo360]

And I think let chalamanda claim proceeds coz he was the rightful copyright holder

[@michaeludeze8470]

A person has to be deaf to say that similarity between Bob Marley's version and Giddes song is only in the title. Bob Marley copied Giddes even where he sang 'Yoi yoi yo'.

[@lestersmith7974]

It’s hard for me to believe that a man from Africa would sing about Buffalo soldier, this is more of a protest song if anything, because this is what Bob Marley does and that is what makes him so famous.

[@blitzgreg1]

Correct. Bob Marley has the cultural context to sing buffalo soldier. The African artist is far removed from what a buffalo soldier is

[@borncool1985]

And that buffalo soldier is African no doubt about it. Even the reggae protesters like Bob Marley and Mighty Culture were much defending Africans. Their origin

[@mwanykange]

Interesting thank you for sharing and thumbs up for all artists!

[@cornneldolley7010]

Bob Marley’s son entitled War ,it’s a speech of Haile Selassie addressing the League of Nations . Bob is a creative man ,so when he borrowed from others he packaged it in his own way that .

[@sergio4740]

One inspired the other. No coincidence here. Get the chronology right to part the two singers. Yet Bob Marley, whatever his position in the chronology, made the song famous and worldwide as a Reggae beat. I personally think Chalamanda is the creator of the song.

[@victormdala361]

Gide’s song doesn’t sound 1974 to me…it sounds more digital and a bit of advanced studio than the ones of 74

[@gilmoreskeen1234]

Chilamanda had song "buffalo soldier" the lyrics and context are different so they never be the same song,it would be saying anyone sings about love is copying the first person to sing about love.

[@ngomabishop6931]

@@gilmoreskeen1234 Only if the words, the refrain and the melody were similar or even identical in parts.

[@ikemolokwu5123]

It is clear that Bob Martley took it from him so let's give Chalamanda the credit. I love Bob Martley and this does not discredit him as a legend.

[@divineapedo3323]

where is Chalamanda's proof of recording

[@mellow_keys8618]

The piano in the African man’s song didn’t come out till the 90s

[@mamadytraore5175]

I agree

[@ikemolokwu5123]

@@mellow_keys8618 🤣🤣will I call it ignorance or pure lies. Ask of Fela Anikulapokuti, Ebenezer Obey, Onyeka Onwenu, Maria Make e etc. When were you born by the way

[@mellow_keys8618]

@@ikemolokwu5123 it doesn’t matter at least I have the ears to tell the difference between things. You clearly have no knowledge at all on music or it’s technology. The African man is probably from where you’re from so you’re defending this with your life. While we live in a world where most of life’s questions can be answered in your hands you strongly believe that track was recorded in 1974 with digital instruments, a Roland keyboard that didn’t even exist till the late 80s with digital drums. All of the technology in the African man’s song were in development in 1978 when Bob was recording Buffalo soldier. Go listen to recorded music in Africa from 1974.

[@fact-age]

Growing up in Malawi, i grew up listening to both songs and one reason I underrated Giddes Chalamanda was my thought that he got inspiration from Bob Marley. I have profound respect for Bob such that I can sing along almost all of his songs, but if Giddes was the first to record then he has gained 10 times more respect from me. While on that note I think the only place where we can get the evidence to support Giddes date of his recording is the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, MBC. In those days in Malawi there was no private recording studios. Musicians those days were recorded at MBC, and we would listen to their recordings from the then only one radio station only. If the chronology of the recordings of the two songs as claimed are right then we have undeniable truths that Giddes Chalamanda inspired by Bob Marley referring to the song called Bufallo Soldier. It happens quite a lot in Music and most of great songs are never inspired by one person. Thanks to Uwomano for the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKjcqYKQgsSlatk

[@uanblake2581]

Many songs are written by someone else but are only made big when famous individuals take it to another level.However credit must always be given to the original piece.

[@apostlechriskwenda5496]

Giddes is the best since he is the one who started recording the song first. He is gifted & creative , i salute mr Chalamanda than those famous guys who did it at second hand 😂😂😂

[@rebirthchingaipe8720]

and i also do remember that those days Kamuzu era Mbc could not allow copied music from outside but only orignal songs from the artists themselves. with this point am so sure that it was Gides who SANG FIRST

[@wilcoxbrown275]

A prophet is hardly regarded in his own land

[@thetruth3775]

It was the native Indians who first came up with the words “Buffalo Soldiers.” Bob Marley got his inspiration from the history of the war that had black slaves fighting on the frontline and defeated the Indians. Bob Marley don’t sing about foolishness. His song is totally different from Chalamanda’s. What was Chalamanda singing about?

[@a1electrical821]

When that song was recorded in Malawi broadcasting corporation (the only recorder & broadcaster owned by state at that time) it was the time of African revolutions where by pan Africanism was main focus. After Giddes Chalamanda sang it on MBC, the song did not take him far just because it was in English, (moreover a little broken one because he didn't go far with education ), and MBC refused to promote it. The main issue was that it was in the early years of african revolutions of kicking out colonialism, so leaders at that time focused on promoting local songs sang in local languages. But for giddes's song (Buffalo soilder), it had already went viral at that time without him knowing. In early 2000 some guys hunted him down and found him suffering in gheto, so he was asked to re-record some of his vintage songs, the first song which he remembered was "Buffalo soilder ", and he re-recorded in the same lyrics and pattern he composed in 1973 & released in 1974. Let's honour him as he is not the only person who paid heavy price due to copyright problems, but also respect should go to Bob for his version of reggae. The question is, why there is no records or cassette for this track to prove the copyright issue ? . Guys, it's long story, but to cut it short, I can say, Malawi was under one party system which monopolized everything, artists & recording companies were told on what to do. Like I said, upon MBC's refusal to promote him, Giddes ended up playing his music in hotels, entertainment centers, etc (mostly in Zambia & Zimbabwe), but not recording it for business because he was poor and not very famous like other early musicians who I know.

[@therootoflife5290]

Don't try to get popularity by dishonoring the great works of Bob Marley

[@ABrix-iw7vq]

Don’t try to get popularity by pretending that someone is dishonouring the great works of Bob Marley. 😂

[@cleo63100]

I have come to realise that everything popularised by Jamaica and recognised as Jamaican, and part of its unique culture, is always claimed by one African country or another as originating from them! Why can’t they respect that Jamaicans are very talented in their own right and develop things in their own unique way.

[@osmandogomohammed2940]

Gides traveled to America with some guys for the first time... the song was being performed at the high commission and it was referred to as “Bob Marley’s Sampled Song “ before it was being performed vie live band .. the video is on KZbin

[@africantruth2539]

If Giddes Chalamanda was the first to sing that song, he deserves a credit for that, even though both versions are great.

[@kagisomakwela1840]

Bob definitely sampled Chamalanda! respect must be given

[@TonderayiKanoz]

Giddes wrote a Buffalo soldier song, and Marley we can say did a great cover. We will enjoy them both today

[@mtureal_seasoul]

Wise.... it's a mission far above competition

[@mellow_keys8618]

I guess Africans don’t have ears to tell apart what the 70s and 90s sound like. Bob Marleys version was the original. Go listen to what African music recorded In The 70s sound like

[@jamesjanuary4857]

More respect to our legend, Giddes Chalamanda, the original Buffalo soldier maker.

[@vernetobierre6987]

Hello my brother, there are similarities between both songs. I prefer Bob Marley's version because Bob Marley upgraded that song to its full potential. However, back then, I'm not quite sure whether their were laws in place in order to discourage plagiarisation. In today's day and age, the original singer of that song could have earned compensation as a result of plagiarism.

[@jasperemerald1522]

Bob Marley's own starts with some force and power💞✊🏽 one Love

[@anatoleanselmeditantonioas4618]

Thanks for this video. I am a very fan of Bob Marley. I am 60 years old,so we are the generation who knew Marley. But I think it easy to know the first who sang it. Question? What oyio,oyio means in Malawi and Jamaica,and we will decide.

[@vidmore2180]

It's a chorus retheme, that is found in many Malawian durational music, I know 10 to 15 songs that are on record with that chorus sang in malawi and many that are sang local not on tap

[@collenyona129]

Wakumuzi anayamba big up Malawi

[@Kubvina]

Thank you Richard in pointing out this interesting sequel. Both songs are born out of the African soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. The melody may be different but the notation is the same. Bear in mind that these two singers are from different parts of the world and therefore will sing in two different accents. As they sing the "oyoyo" part, or would be written "Oh yo yo" it had to suit in how both languages are spoken to suit the Reggie rhythm and to suit the Malawi rhythm - a mixture of local and South African jive known in the Southern Africa. So, to me the song is the same. Now, I don't know how the music industry works but if Giddes recorded his tune in 1974, and Marley's tune was released in 1983 the definitely Giddes Chalamanda can claim to be the first to release this tune. My opinion!

[@Puo-jb6fs]

That's academic. Music is cultural. Blend wisely and give it to us that's what we want. Sounds are from nature. We thank the universe.

[@thetruth3775]

The lyrics and meaning of the songs are totally different. The rhythm and melody are also different. Chalamanda cannot even proved that his song was recorded in 1974 to begin with. Now, Chalamanda already has a team of lawyers around him, why do you think they have not even asked KZbin or the Marley estate to cease playing Buffalo Soldier? I can tell you that the Marley’s would have Chalamanda’s Buffalo soldier removed from KZbin if was even sound anywhere near Bob’s Buffalo Soldier.

[@dennisnkuako3220]

I share the same opinion with you. This explanation is just clear and should be understood by everyone.

[@Bplus0224]

I agree, Bob Markey's song was a remake from Chalamanda's song. Beautiful history. Let's leave it that way...wow!

[@davidpiggott624]

No songwriter would say these songs are similar. Two distinct songs. The melodies, melodic structure, lyrical themes are all different with the only similarity being the phrase Buffalo Soldier as the chorus. However Bob Marley's chant Woyoyo is the same melody (only four bars) as that of a children's show theme song from USA in 1968, Banana Splits. You can listen to it here on KZbin. Nonetheless a great song by Bob Marley released posthumously.

[@fitzroyhall161]

I totally agree with David Piggott

[@clivekidd97]

This is so true I agree it the only thing I hear is Buffalo soldier this makes no sense

[@MrDEREKBOB]

exactly

[@saxophonist874]

it's the Same song..... reason the mortif is the same which is the Baffalo soldier.

[@FromMzansi]

i don't think so

[@deepdowntherabbithole2024]

Interesting. In a different case, Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions did People Get Ready (1965) and Bob Marley used it as inspiration for One Love -"Bob Marley recorded an interpretation of "People Get Ready" as "One Love/People Get Ready" in 1965 and again in 1977"

[@nkwisijean5422]

You guys make me feel wooow!!! I have also to repeat this Song! THE KINGS

[@thetruthbareke3153]

Keep up the good work 🍺🌏

[@mihjibiggschaka4010]

People, I know its hard to think that the great Bob Marley could possibly have picked a song from an African in an obscure country of Malawi. The truth is, he did. Chalamada's songs were already being heard internationally in the 1960s. My concern is that Chalamanda should have been acknowledged and paid some loyalties. Its not late, this can be brought to the attention of exparts to analyse the two pieces and claims can be made.

[@westyraviz]

Bob never released this track. It was released posthumously. You’ll need to speak to Chris Blackwell about that. Bob could clearly have been inspired. But we have to be very careful when it comes to Bob’s songs. A lot of his songs that he released in the 1970s, he’d actually written and sang earlier versions in the 1960s. There’s no telling whether Bob Marley actually wrote Buffalo soldier in 1978 or 1968. But Bob obviously listened to African music. And King Sporty would likely have listened to African songs as well. Personally, I feel that either Bob or King Sporty or both, had heard Giddes Chalamanda’s song and used it as a foundation for the more popular version.

[@bajebajan6937]

It's disappointing you don't know the reason for Buffalo Soldiers in the War for America... look it up and see its two different stories

[@mihjibiggschaka4010]

@@bajebajan6937 Me not knowing the reason for Buffalo Soldiers does not in anyway take away the strong possibly that Bob and any other writers of Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier" song listened and took inspiration from Giddies song.

[@darlingtonchigumbu3899]

he didn't perfect anything, he plagiarised and popularised the song.

[@bajebajan6937]

@@mihjibiggschaka4010 a Buffalo Solider was an actual term that White Americans gave Black Soliders who they recruited to fight against Native First Nation people. The term existed before both song writers but keep reaching. Someone came and Said listen hear that beat its not Bob's and you run with it ... the song was released after Bob died so beats could have been added but history fails many when they assume the present is all there is

[@kingpin-d1s]

The similarities are there. Interesting

[@kenos1185]

Bufalo soldier was a book they both read it at different times

[@interops6534]

Very interesting observation, I can hear the similarity. What yr did the Bob and wailers did the Africa / Zimbabwe tour?

[@africanadage852]

@InterOps. 1980.

[@kingezekaya]

Giddes Chalamanda's claims are right but Bob showed a great talent by taking the song to another level and making it more popular,I think the credit should be given to Chalamanda coz he is great talent,a powerful song writer

[@kayimamosielu3566]

Don't agree. Marley should ask the poor man before taking his song. Didn't ask to take the song in a level. it was already in level back in africa.

[@KyleInOklahoma]

So Giddes should get credit coz he's got talent? No proof of this, so unless something disproves Bob's claim then it stays where it is.🤷‍♂️

[@kayimamosielu3566]

@@KyleInOklahoma Didn't ask any credit from anyone. He is already talented. He is no doing that for many but for joy and love.

[@gilmoreskeen1234]

The word of the songs are different and they are about a personal wish and Bob's historical story.

[@olecmelk2235]

Shakira sang "Waka Waka" and she claimed it's her inspiration when she came from the barn, and yet this song origin is Dom cameroun Africa we sang in the 80's during high school games

[@robertchirwa7507]

When was both artists produced this song,?then we be able to know which one btwn the 2 produced first

[@roscodotemmas]

Things happened coincidentally... i have seen someone release music with the title and same name as an underground starter having similar rhymes rhythms and same song name.. the music maybe the same.. but it’s for bob Marley and the same song is also for the Mr Giddes

[@hamrass9123]

Same or similar Inspirations do come to different people in different locations at different times , this is the Almighty works One world One Creator God's Great

[@jamalali9907]

The original writer was king sporty base in Miami. The song was written from civil war in America. King sporty song it and gave Bob Marley sing and release.

[@Rarworba]

Thanks for the research to bring this forward. Whatever the differences in the melodies, the song is Chalamada's, he produced it 1974 and Bob Marley 1978. Jury could award damages to Chalamanda.

[@sebyfernandes9088]

Creativity and Delivery are Two different things, what Bob Marley delivered is a version that was acceptable to the whole world, which has brought Reggae upfront, all over the world, and musicians who creat reggae songs work to make the delivery as closely as possible, I have earned my self a little name singing Buffalo Soldier n getting the whole crowd to sing along, I am GREATFUL to Bob Marley he has opened our creative minds, where ever he is may he have all the PEACE he wished for us on Earth

[@harolddottin10]

Bob Marley also took lyrics from the 20's from Sister Rosetta Parks and later in the 40's from Lonnie Johnson The lyrics were Cold Ground Was My Bed And Bedrock Was My Pillow The clue is Marley called the song Talking Blues.

[@ferrislkpokpa7867]

The fact is that both men were glorifying the courage of black fighters, although the war was not theirs. Thanks to both great men music.

[@victormdala361]

@@ferrislkpokpa7867 the other was just a stupid want to see skyscrapers in US

[@josephdavidson4334]

Giddes chalamanda uses an African temp ; while bob is using a reggae tempo with a higher key change while singing on a up beat rather than the down beat🎼🎹

[@littl3fing]

It don’t matter who sing it first once the message reaches the ppl is good enough

[@juliepalmer742]

Mr Chalamanda has such a Melodious voice to the sound Absolutely, He deserves a Credit. Since I discovered It I go Crazy 😛 I just some the Rthym. "Music alone Shall Live" I love ❤️ part that said, Early one Morning...💕💕💕

[@tllmtgbtg5674]

Oh boy! Let's give both of these men credit. No hate. Just let us love both. You should try and promote Giddes C so more people familiar with his music. We black people are Africans. We don't need to fight against each other. If Giddes is the first author, my hats off to him. If Bob get ideas and change up some lyrics and rhythm, just promote them both. Back then in the days, BMI and ASCAP didn't care about international and careless. They just wanted to rob black musicians. All they care about is filling their pockets and giving black musicians peanuts. Big up both artists.

[@princetesfamassaffahselass8631]

blessing 👍

[@symphonicsound7870]

Respect to both artist.

[@matamelamufunwa3772]

I don't now what to choose but I can see that rappers n singer can use the same rhythm

[@nerg9661]

Wow! Both versions are great. True legends.

[@realsu7816]

In short the Legend Bob Marley (1976) polished the song of our legend Chalamanda (1974) to go viral internationally.

[@westyraviz]

Giddes Chalamanda apparently released his version in the 1990s and not 1974. There is no record of the song being in existence on 1974.

[@MSFILMARTS]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKDCaoWsetapb5Ysi=HKZ8miobYzL8VUiI

[@sylivianambuya4593]

Point of correction am in chiradzulu Malawi and I meet him today thé linny hoo he is singing about his daughter who is a good child not a boy I also had a chance to meet his two sons who sing with him now I was in his home today .but he is real legend who didn’t have chance to produce his music in digital times like now he would have so many views even now they they are playing his linny hoo tic toc .

[@joossa666]

Noted, thanks

[@saniyakubu7511]

Yes the guy is right, for his work to find out about that, but then they are good work you know blessed one love

[@erichall8866]

Interesting how Giddes didn't sue for copyright infringement. I can remember in the 80's, Manu Dibango sued Michael Jackson on Wanna Be Startin Somethin'...just over the line: ma-ma-se ma-ma-sa ma-ma-ko-saa

[@aloyssamleyin1107]

And Tala Andre Marie sued James Brown before that.

[@milagresmenezes4248]

No one can beat. Bob Marley born musician.

[@janthony1164]

Two different songs, my dad san buffalo soldier in 1970 and it sounded the same.

[@KofiDaeshaun1020]

unless he can present a timestamp, this is water under the bridge. Bob can also make the argument that the guy stole his song.

[@dunbarf2413]

The Buffalo Soldier Bob Marley's song relates to the historical Buffalo Soldiers of old 1800s America. Giddes Chalamanda's song does not. Far as the melody and the vocalizations sounds more like a case of inspiration and not stealing.

[@princeoseitutu9899]

Bob took it from chalamanda Bob polished it l am a Bob FAN but let's speak the truth the yrs difference shows it clear It's not a big deal The known guys respects older once and they copy them it a kind of showing a respect It happened to Manudebango the great musician of l think cameroun Micheal Jackson copied SOULMAKOSA and polished it These Stars has ears to hear something no one sees nor hear

[@islandpatriot2941]

@@princeoseitutu9899 Bob marley did not take anything, you don't know anything about music. The vocals, the message ,the beat are completely different. The only similarities in the two songs are the name.

[@cheddi6590]

@@islandpatriot2941 @Island Patriot You're blatently bold and very bias. This is not a war. Thankfully these are two very talented originators in their own rights. Your dishonesty has no need here. These two versions in various similar parts, could even work overlaying each other. I respect Bob Marley's work for carrying elder Giddes Chalamanda's work same as was from his ancestors roots of Africa, further afield than it's origin in 1974. Thanks JZ - Joossa👌🏾

[@islandpatriot2941]

@@cheddi6590 Yea, if this is not a war stop then accusing other people of stealing someone else's work. Thank JZ, yea there is a Jay-Z already, what he existed before that one too. You guys need to come up with your sh*t and stop trying to pawn off other people Sh*t as your own.These are very serious accusations, did you know that.

[@malikbogosi6555]

I fully agree with you there, one has to understand history to get that point.

[@vememakangunde4734]

Great artists! great legends! Giddes's version is raw and original, but surely u can hear similarities in Bob's version. I give much respect to Giddes, pure talent!

[@afroendz]

We have to agree that Bob Marley played a smart game here and he perfected the melody in a different genre ( raggae)... it's a same words like " buffalo soldier and oyio oyio that a smart musician and composer wud tell he twisted abit ...wow these two songs are good and I could listen to both of them.... raggae has some roots from our old afro beats ..the connection is huge...

[@sindazithomas731]

Your voice is great!

[@johnchaffey2218]

Giddes was exceptional & obviously wrote the song back in his day so full credit to him & no doubt Bob also very exceptional & talented heard it, liked it & adapted it to a raggae beat & tweaked it somewhat whilst giving it greater exposure to the world audience thru his popularity...I believe we owe both credit for what has come of it internationally since then...obviously

[@dearlife7771]

You can ask him when did he know buffalo soldiers

[@kennygee5958]

It’s called sampling and happens from time to time in the music industry, occasionally leading to huge lawsuits. One of the most high profile cases was Rick James Vs Mc Hammer with “Can’t touch this”, in the early 90s. The other one was Manodibango Vs MIchael Jackson relating to “Wanna be starting something “, sometime in the 80s. Both cases led to substantial sums being paid out.

[@seanshakes8395]

Giddes Chalamanda you are entitled to royalties

[@franciscafagerholm9457]

I agree with you, but dont blame bob for dat.

[@mellow_keys8618]

Bob Marley recorded the song first. You have no musical knowledge whatsoever to tell the difference between the 90s and 70s

[@jarlsday7630]

Africa is the source of many musical rythm you can discover in different World cultures. Bob Marley was always pride to cry his african origin and he sing for Zimbabwe and also visite the rhodesia region 🤷🏾‍♂️ Giddes and many others african traditional singers wrote and create musical rythms, but nobody knows them, because we are poor.

[@Sunkissed_Michelle]

Are you saying the genre of Reggae originated in Africa? Last I checked Bob grew up poor and worked his butt off to reach international status and legend.

[@onefootskenk77]

Line is a song he sang for his daughter who was hard working

[@esthermbabazi691]

ilove both versions of the song.beautiful

[@kwabinayah909]

The beats were totally different. Reasons where different. bob was talking about history, giddes was talking about his American dream. What we should remember is buffalo soldier and woyoo are both universal words. It might be coincidence or bob head it accidentally and incorporate it into his works. The good thing is that both songs are good and both of them are Africans, one love!

[@oumardiop1010]

The difference is Bob's rethym is for someone heading to a big challenge. While Giddes's rethym is for someone heading home from a big challenge.

[@gilmoreskeen1234]

Bob Marley's song is talking about history, fighting to survive and being used to fight against another people in their own land.

[@aiinchntmusyq]

🇯🇲💫the conscious vibrates on the same level and pull inspiration from the same source. Just hearing about G but Big up to both. ASE'

[@rkpabitey1025]

I would be very very surprised if I see anyone arguing and getting angry about this. I do not think it really matters who did what! What matters most was that both renditions were so beautifully sung. God bless this both LEGENDS. Peace and love ✌🏾

[@talkingfingers]

One millions from it

[@byarugababruno3750]

Chalamanda's is the original one coz we call those beats "kadongo kamu"(single guitar) here in Uganda africa.but after all Bob is also ours

[@maniolojoel1201]

But have you made clear research on who were the buffalo soldiers?

[@lumasabamusicinternational4411]

You wanted us to be the judges ,and yet you didn't let us be

[@OC1621.]

Wow!! I had the opportunity of visiting the very spot where the Buffalo Solders were encamped.. This is also a part of my history.. Thanks to both of this two artist.. One Love. 🇯🇲💯

[@MohammedAbbas-gj9dj]

Big ups to both Marley and our own Gides Chalamanda🇲🇼.

[@ronskullie9380]

I believe the African song was made after Bob's song,only Jamaicans pronounce soldier as Soulja or souljah.

[@bongoritah9756]

Am Ugandan, big ups to both legends, much love

[@RintoPius]

If Giddes Chalamanda wished to go to America to find work, and if somehow Bob Marley became aware of this "story of the young boy" to go to America, then we must treat Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier" song as a warning to Giddes' wish to visit America, that he must not think America is all rosy, that he will find himself "Fighting on arrival... Fighting for survival," because, like many others before him, his life would amount to the whole story of Africans who were "Stolen from Africa... Brought to America."

[@defon7839]

Most or all Artists are influenced by another before them. Bob was influenced by Giddes original and then composed another version which is much more lyrical.

[@duttyboukman4922]

It should therefore be noted that his voice sounds more like an old man in the 90s than a real young man in 1974.

[@FelixChisoni841312]

what a perspective. interesting

[@omeruo247]

This is 2022, he's about 92 now, so yes,he was very older in the 70s

[@samandthesoutherngardener3974]

Every singer is inspired by someone.

[@tvafrica206]

That was a very critical review, thanks bro. My finding is Bob Marley took it from Giddes.

[@highthoughts1]

One song inspired the other. This man could have claimed for royalties or payments. The song is a big one and he could easily have earned tens of millions in USD. The lyrics are different...and the concept of Buffalo soldiers by the African is unrealistic to someone living in the west. Bob Marley had the right concept but he was also putting a spin to who the Buffalo Soldiers were, as they were actually fighting a war for America. This is unquestionable that one song did not only inspire the other but it was taken from the other. BY A LARGE WAY. It happens in music all the time...even sometimes unconsciously but this guy in Africa must have had a money tree in his backyard so he didn't care...