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Gumba-Gumba
Letta Mbulu Lyrics


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Gumba gumba

Iyoho (Gumba gumba)
Iyoho (Gumba gumba)
Iyohoho (Gumba gumba)
Iyohoho (Gumba gumba)

Malome nkadime tshemaho
Malome nkadime tshemaho
Malome nkadime khunene
Malome nkadime khunene

Kea Kofifi gumba gumbeng (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Kea Kofifi gumba gumbeng (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Kea Kofifi iyo ba re gumba gumba mama (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Kea Kofifi iyo ba re gumba gumba mama (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)

Ba chesa ba re phatha-phata
Ba chesa ba re tshwara-tshwara
Ba chesa ba re mothela
Ba chesa ba re phatha-phata

Wa qiza wena (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Aibo aibo aibo aibo (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Please say something to me honey (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Chesa wena (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)

Iyoho (Gumba gumba)
Iyoho (Gumba gumba)
Iyohoho (Gumba gumba)
Iyohoho (Gumba gumba)

(Gumba gumba)

Overall Meaning

Letta Mbulu's song "Gumba-Gumba" is a celebratory tune about gathering together to dance and have fun. The repetitive refrain of "Gumba gumba" creates the beat for the song and adds to the excitement of the music. The song opens with the call to dance and the response of "Iyoho," which is a shout of agreement or affirmation. The lyrics then introduce "Malome nkadime," which can be translated as "uncle, let's dance," and encourages participation in the festivities. The next lines mention the location of Kofifi, which is an area in South Africa known for its vibrant nightlife and music scene.


The verse goes on to describe various dance moves like "phatha-phata," "tshwara-tshwara," and "mothela" which are all traditional South African dances. The chorus then repeats the refrain of "Gumba gumba" before leading into a call-and-response section. The lead singer calls out "wa qiza wena" and the dancers respond with an energetic "aibo aibo aibo aibo." This section showcases the interaction between the performer and the audience, and highlights the communal aspect of the activity.


The song is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, regardless of background or circumstance. The repetitive nature of the lyrics allows for everyone to join in and adds to the sense of community that is being created. The use of traditional dance moves further reinforces this idea of cultural unity. "Gumba-Gumba" is an infectious piece of music that encourages the listener to get up and dance.


Line by Line Meaning

Gumba gumba
This is the refrain of the song and doesn't provide a specific meaning.


Iyoho (Gumba gumba)
The repetition of iyoho conveys a celebratory and enthusiastic tone that matches the upbeat rhythm of the music.


Malome nkadime tshemaho
Calling out to Malome who represents a respected elder or uncle figure and asking what he is doing in this moment.


Malome nkadime khunene
An additional question for Malome about what he's doing, but this time emphasizing the location he is in being important to the question.


Kea Kofifi gumba gumbeng (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Announcing that the singer is currently in Kofifi, which is a suburb of Johannesburg, and repeating the refrain of gumba gumba for emphasis.


Kea Kofifi iyo ba re gumba gumba mama (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Again, announcing the singer's location in Kofifi and then adding a call and response section where the singer encourages the audience to join in with saying gumba gumba.


Ba chesa ba re phatha-phata
Noticing people dancing a specific dance called the Phata Phata, which originates from South Africa and involves moving your arms and legs in a coordinated rhythm.


Ba chesa ba re tshwara-tshwara
Observing people dancing another dance style called Tshwara Tshwara, which involves more intricate footwork and is also from South Africa.


Ba chesa ba re mothela
Noticing yet another group of people dancing a different style, this time called the Motshela, which is from Lesotho and involves more jumping and hopping movements.


Wa qiza wena (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
In conversation with someone, requesting that they respond or say something while once again repeating gumba gumba for emphasis.


Aibo aibo aibo aibo (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Exclaiming with a word pronounced as aibo and repeating it for emphasis, perhaps showing surprise or excitement.


Please say something to me honey (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
This line is addressed to a romantic partner or someone the singer is interested in, asking that they speak to the singer while once again repeating gumba gumba for emphasis.


Chesa wena (Gumba gumba gumba gumba)
Encouraging the person the singer is addressing to dance or otherwise engage with them while once again repeating gumba gumba for emphasis.


(Gumba gumba)
Once again, this line is simply the refrain of the song and doesn't provide additional meaning on its own.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Yandisa


on Bhanoyi

Yho so nice

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