PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the popular Greek song "Masai" (Μασάι), which was sung by Elli Kokkinou. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

Song lyrics are provided for educational purposes. If you like the song, please purchase either the album or a download from an authorized source.

About this Song

The original version of this song was in Greek in 2003; however, since then versions have also been released in Turkish and Arabic.

In 2004, a Turkish version was released under the title "Yıkılıyo", sung by Ayça Tekintor (Αιτσα Τεκιντορ). The album on which it appeared uses the same title as the song.

Another version of this song with Arabic lyrics called "Men Eyouni" (Μεν Αιγιουνι) was released in 2006 by the Lebanese singer Bassem Moughnieh (Μοασεμ Μουγνιε).  Bassem is not only a popular singer, but also a highly successful actor and director.

There was also collaboration between Elli Kokkinou and Giorgos Mazonakis in a duet mixed song that was VERY popular!

The song's lyrics reference the Masai, an ethnic group found in eastern Africa, in Tanzania and Kenya.

About Elli Kokkinou

Elli Kokkinou is the stage name for Ellie Papathanasopoulou, the original artist who popularized this song. As a child, she grew up in a family that loved music, so from a young age she began to learn ballet and take guitar lessons. She was also athletic, winning many gold medals in water skiing.

Kokkinou began her music career performing backup vocals in the clubs that featured prominent artists of the day. She also sang backup vocals on some albums. From 1992-1994, she lived in the United States, studying voice and piano, then moved back to Greece.

Her recording career began in 1998 with the release of her first CD single. Albums soon followed, with Sto Kokkinou reaching double platinum status in 2003. This album also became a hit in Turkey. She has done many concert tours, as well as performing in the Greek club scene.

About Fivos (Phivos, Phoebus)

Fivos is the stage name for Evangelos-Phoebus Tassopoulos, the prominent Greek songwriter who wrote the music and lyrics for this song. His name is sometimes written as "Phivos" or "Phoebus". He is one of the most successful Greek songwriters of the 1990's and early 2000's.

Fivos was born in 1971. During his school years, he drummed in a band. He started writing songs while studying music at a conservatory, and signed his first contract with a record label at age 22. Over the next 10 years, his songs enjoyed spectacular success in Greece and Cyprus. He began to gain international recognition starting in 2001. In 2004, he signed a deal with Coca Cola to write the music that would be featured in Coca Cola's ads as part of their Olympics sponsorship, and in 2005 he created a new anthem for the Athens football team.

Song: Maasai (Masai), 2003

Lyrics: Evangelos Tassopoulos (Fivos/Phoebus)

Music: Evangelos Tassopoulos (Fivos/Phoebus)

Original Artist: Elli Kokkinou with backup vocals by Akis Deixmos, Vagelis Siapatis, and Fivos

Dance Style: Belly Dancing

Album: Sto Kokkino (In The Red)

Τραγούδι: Μασάι

Στίχοι: Ευάγγελος Τασσόπουλος (Φοίβος)

Μουσική: Ευάγγελος Τασσόπουλος (Φοίβος)

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Έλλη Κοκκίνου

Συμμετέχουν: Άκης Δείξμος, Βαγγέλης Σιαπάτης, Φοίβος

Άλμπουμ: Στο Κόκκινο