Cecilia Todd (born March 4, 1951 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a singer and per… Read Full Bio ↴Cecilia Todd (born March 4, 1951 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a singer and performer on the cuatro.

From very young the love of music, initially fed by her family group, awakened in Cecilia. At the age of 12, she integrated a musical trio at the school San José de Tarbes, and her activity as singer and collaborator were recognized early. Later she was a member of the group of Alberto Espinoza soon to begin to his own career as a solo singer. She attended his sessions of theory and solfege at the music school Juan Manuel Olivares and continued later as a disciple of Alexander Plaza in the study of guitar.

In 1970 as a member of the group, Venezuelan Experimental Music, she made her first public presentations. Her debut as a solo singer occurred on TV, in the program El Show de Renny Ottolina. In 1972 Cecilia was invited to participate in an encounter of Latin American music organized by the University of Carlton, which allowed her to give several concerts in Canada. As of this date she has toured in many countries (Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, USA, Syria, Brazil, UK, Barbados, Finland, France, Germany, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, etc...) and has participated in numerous musical recordings, and by invitation in groups of musicians and artists such as Cacho Tirao, Grupo Vocal Buenos Aires 8, Soledad Bravo, Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Libertad Lamarque, Carlos Cruz-Diez, among others.

She has recorded many albums of Venezuelan folk music, and participated in two films, with brief participation in international television. Some of Cecilia's popular CD recordings are "Una Sola Vida Tengo" from 1995, and "Canciones de Henry Martinez" in 2000. Cecilia's 2009 CD recording is entitled "Niño Jesús de Merey", and is a celebration of Venezuelan musical Christmas traditions. One of the songs was composed by Cecilia and is her debut as a composer. Her current touring band (2009) is Jesús "Chuíto" Rengel on mandolin and bandola, Mark P. Brown on bass and saxophone, and Leonel Ruiz on Piano.

Tonto Malembe
Cecilia Todd Lyrics

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Tonto malembe
Dale con la colorá′
Tonto malembe
Y en el fondo de la mar
Tonto malembe

Tonto malembe
Tengo una cajita de oro

Tonto malembe
Donde guardo mis suspiros
Tonto malembe
Y las lágrimas que lloro
Tonto malembe

Tonto malembe
La sortija que me diste
Tonto malembe
La mañana del Señor
Tonto malembe
Me queda floja en el dedo
Tonto malembe

Y apretada en el amor
Tonto malembe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cecilia Todd's song "Tonto Malembe" are filled with metaphorical imagery and poetic expressions. The repetition of the phrase "Tonto malembe" throughout the song adds a sense of rhythm and serves as a refrain.

The phrase "Tonto malembe" can be interpreted as a call to let go of worldly attachments and surrender to a deeper, more spiritual state. It conveys a sense of freedom and release from societal constraints. The line "Dale con la colorá'" can be understood as an invitation to embrace life with passionate intensity and vibrant colors.

The lyrics also mention a "cajita de oro," which translates to a "little golden box." This box is a metaphorical representation of the singer's emotions and innermost feelings. It becomes a place where the singer keeps her sighs and tears, suggesting that she cherishes and guards her vulnerability.

The mention of a "sortija," or a ring, represents a symbol of commitment and love. However, the line "Me queda floja en el dedo" suggests that the ring doesn't fit properly on the singer's finger, indicating a mismatch or uncertainty in the relationship. This contrast with the line "Y apretada en el amor" further emphasizes the conflicting emotions and complex nature of love.

Overall, "Tonto Malembe" invites listeners to reflect on the various layers of human emotions, societal expectations, and the need for spiritual liberation.

Line by Line Meaning