Bonga Kwenda, better known as Bonga, is a singer and songwriter from Angola… Read Full Bio ↴Bonga Kwenda, better known as Bonga, is a singer and songwriter from Angola. Born in 1943 in the province of Bengo, and left Angola at age 23 to become an athlete, becoming the Angolan record holder for the 400 metre dash. He had already begun his singing career at age 15.

Bonga abandoned athletics in 1972, concentrating solely on his music. He has released over 30 albums, singing in Portuguese and traditional Angolan languages. His tracks are a mixture of Portuguese-language folk songs, semba, kizomba and latin elements.

While Angola was still a Portuguese colony, Bonga was an outspoken supporter of independence. This led him to be exiled from Angola in the early 1970s. It was during this time that he launched his first album, Angola 72.

Sem Kijila
Bonga Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

OS BAIRROS DA BANDA,
ONDE A GENTE BRINCOU,
FICOU MBORA POBRE,
NINGUÉM SE OCUPOU.

DIMUKENU NAKUETENU DIMUKENU.

ANGOLA DOS TEMPOS,

DE MUITA RAIZ,
DE KOTAS DE EVENTOS,
DA NOSSA MATRIZ.

DIMUKENU NAKUETENU DIMUKENU.

ETU MU DIETU,
VALEU A TRADIÇAO,
QUE DEFINIU O ANGOLANO,
E TODA UMA NAÇAO.

DIMUKENU NAKUETENU DIMUKENU.

KANDENGUES CORRERIAS,
RECADOS DA FAMILIA,
AS VEZES DOS VIZINHOS,
SEM KIGILA.

DIMUKENU NAKUETENU DIMUKENU.

JINGUENJI UA BIXILA,
PRA KASSUMBULAR,
E TAMBÉM PROVOCAR,
O MULO DOS MUADIÉS.

DIMUKENU NAKUETENU DIMUKENU.

Overall Meaning

In Bonga's song "Sem Kijila," the lyrics reflect on the neighborhoods and memories of the past, where the people used to play and enjoy life but now have become impoverished and neglected. The phrase "Dimukenu Nakuetenu" is repeated throughout the song, serving as a sort of chorus or mantra.

The song nostalgically portrays Angola in its earlier times, characterized by its rich cultural heritage, traditional customs, and community events. The mention of "kotas de eventos" emphasizes the importance of collective gatherings and celebrations rooted in Angolan culture.

Bonga highlights the value of tradition and how it has defined the Angolan people and the nation as a whole. The phrase "Etud mu Dietu" expresses gratitude for the legacy and customs that have shaped the Angolan identity, connecting them to their roots and heritage.

The lyrics also mention the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with "Kandengues" representing the daily hustle and "Recados da familia" referring to messages from family. Sometimes, the neighbors would also get involved, creating a sense of community and closeness. However, the line "Sem Kijila" suggests that these interactions and connections may have diminished or disappeared over time.

Another element mentioned in the song is the tradition of Jinguenji, which involves playing and provoking the "mulo dos muadiés," an expression that metaphorically refers to the difficulties of life.

Overall, "Sem Kijila" is a reflective and bittersweet song that explores themes of nostalgia, cultural identity, and the changing dynamics of Angolan society.

Line by Line Meaning

OS BAIRROS DA BANDA,
The neighborhoods of the town,

ONDE A GENTE BRINCOU,
Where we used to play,

FICOU MBORA POBRE,
Have become impoverished,

NINGUÉM SE OCUPOU.
No one cared.