See http://www.cumbancha.com/chiwoniso for more information on Chiwoniso.
With a sound that recalls the fire of Angelique Kidjo, the inspiration of Oliver Mtukudzi, the rebellion of Thomas Mapfumo and the soul of India.Aire, Chiwoniso is one of the most exciting talents in African music today.
Chiwoniso Maraire is a Zimbabwean musician who while pursuing her solo career has also recorded with Andy Brown and The Storm, Women's Voice, and The Collaboration.
While traditional Zimbabwean music provides a foundation for her music, she incorporates many influences.
Mai
Chiwoniso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes I imagine I hear your voice in the trees whispering
Ahhhhh
Ahhh ahhh ahh ahh
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Sunshine to my eyes
You had a spirit so full of joy
Ohhh, the sweet surprise
I still find myself searching for your face
Though I know you're gone
And it's so hard to say goodbye
But I know it won't be long
Mmmmm till we're together. I know it won't be long
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Sometimes I imagine I hear your voice in the trees whispering
Sometimes I imagine I hear your voice in the trees whispering
Ohhh ohhhh ah ah ah
You had this way of understanding
Anything we said
Time was there whenever we needed
Ohhhh anything we said
We searched the world over for your smile
Though we know you're gone
You will always be in our hearts
Ohhhh it won't be long
No no till we're together. No it won't be long
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
I imagine I hear your voice. Mai tichazomuona
I imagine I hear your voice. Mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Ohhhhhh ohh ohhh ohhhh ohh ohh oo
Ohhhhhh ohhhh ohhh
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
The song “Mai” by Chiwoniso is a beautiful tribute to a departed mother. The singer reminisces about how she still imagines hearing her mother’s voice in the trees, and how her mother’s memory continues to bring warmth and light to her life. The chorus of the song is a farewell message to her mother, urging her to rest well and promising to meet her again someday.
The verse praises the departed mother, highlighting how she always had a loving and joyful spirit. The singer also reveals how dearly she misses her mother, and how hard it is to say goodbye. Yet, she is comforted by the belief that it won’t be long until they are reunited again.
The song is poignant and touching, filled with a deep sense of love, loss, and hope. It expresses the universal experience of losing a loved one, and the enduring bond that transcends death.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I imagine I hear your voice in the trees whispering
I reminisce hearing your gentle voice in the rustling of the leaves
Sometimes I imagine I hear your voice in the trees whispering
I feel like I can hear your voice in the wind and trees
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mother, farewell and rest in peace. Mother, we will see you again
Forever I'll remember your loving smile
Your loving smile will always be etched in my memory
Sunshine to my eyes
Your smile brought light and joy to my life
You had a spirit so full of joy
Your spirit was vibrant and filled with happiness
Ohhh, the sweet surprise
You were a pleasant surprise in our lives
I still find myself searching for your face
I still yearn to see your face
Though I know you're gone
Even though you have left us
And it's so hard to say goodbye
It's difficult to bid you farewell
But I know it won't be long
I am comforted by the thought we'll meet again soon
Mmmmm till we're together. I know it won't be long
I yearn for the moment we'll be rejoined. I'm sure it won't be long
You had this way of understanding
You had a unique way of comprehending things
Anything we said
You understood anything we shared
Time was there whenever we needed
You were always there when we needed you
We searched the world over for your smile
We miss your beautiful smile so much
You will always be in our hearts
You will forever be cherished in our hearts
No no till we're together. No it won't be long
I can't wait for the moment we'll be reunited. It's not far away
I imagine I hear your voice. Mai tichazomuona
I sometimes think I can hear you. Mother, we will see you again
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazomuona
Mother, farewell and rest in peace. Mother, we will see you again
Ohhhhhh ohh ohhh ohhhh ohh ohh oo
Instrumental
Ohhhhhh ohhhh ohhh
Instrumental
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mother, farewell and rest in peace. Mother, we will see you again
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mother, farewell and rest in peace. Mother, we will see you again
Mai fambai zvakanaka, mai tichazokuona
Mother, farewell and rest in peace. Mother, we will see you again
Writer(s): Maraire Chiwoniso Chaapocho Maxine, Chisvo Adam, Farquharson Keith
Contributed by Chloe F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@essildahmlambo4880
Can never get enough of this song,makes me miss my mom😭 RIP to to you Chiwoniso and my mom
@washingtonmasango5808
AMEN
@eltondhokwani325
I was always a fan of Chiwo and I loved this song, but now it hits differently since mom passed on. Rest In Peace ma, the heavens gained a beautiful smile till we meet again rest easy Queen. rip chiwo
@erinajera772
My mom passed away last Saturday the 14th of January 2024 . RIP Mom and I know you will be watching over me . Fambai zvakanaka Mhai
@rashidtavare7037
Actually it was Sun the 14th 2024, same day i lost my mum as well, i can't cope😭
@erinajera772
@rashidtavare7037 Yes it was on a Sunday. Thanks. Its so painful.
@munyaradzinyarugwe8769
My condolences...may her dear soul rest in eternal peace.
@munyaradzinyarugwe8769
@@rashidtavare7037 Sorry for your loss. May her soul rest in peace.
@carmenmakanza5842
Thinking of my father who passed away the year 1998 , rest in peace chiwoniso I loved ur music and still love it even you are gone .
@sharon-rosevaleta5915
2023 and we are still here❤