MUSA: (Rapping, smooth and confident, but building in intensity) They say Mali got gold, got riches untold, But what’s a throne worth if the story ain’t told? They see the silk, the salt, the jewels, But where’s the knowledge? Where are the schools? I seen kings chase gold ‘til they fade to dust, Power don’t last—only wisdom’s a trust. They trade silver, trade spice, trade steel and stone, But I wanna trade ideas—I wanna build a throne! ENSEMBLE: (Harmonized, soulful, call-and-response style) More than gold! (More than gold!) We need a vision, a future to hold! (A future to hold!) Not just trade, not just wealth, But a land that thrives beyond myself! MUSA: (Rap – Faster, sharper, beat kicks in harder) Gold is heavy, gold can break, But knowledge—knowledge elevates! I see Mali built on minds, not just mines, A legacy that outlasts time! They count the gold, they count the bars, But what’s a king without the scars? Without the lessons, without the light, Without the scholars up at night? ENSEMBLE: (Call-and-response, echoing his words) Without the lessons! (Without the light!) Without the scholars! (Up at night!) Musa, tell ‘em what you see, What’s the Mali that it’s meant to be? MUSA: (Rap – Determined, pushing back at doubters) I see a city where the wise will gather, A home where the books grow higher than the palace ladder. Where the ink means more than a bag of gold, Where the future shines, where the truth is told! I see builders, I see scribes, I see poets making kingdoms rise! Not just wealth, not just trade, But a Mali that will never fade! ENSEMBLE: (Sung, powerful, almost like a gospel choir) More than gold! (More than gold!) A kingdom strong, a story told! (A story told!) Not just wealth, but wisdom’s might, A Mali that will burn with light! NANDI: (Spoken, rhythmic, like a griot’s wisdom) Gold will buy you power, yes, But power fades, and what is left? A legacy is ink and stone, Not just a crown you call your own. MUSA: (Quiet, but firm, almost a realization) A throne of gold will one day rust… But knowledge—that is built to trust. (Music fades as the griot ensemble hums the melody, transitioning into the next scene.)
