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.
Matsotsi
Chiwoniso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ndisina mari yebhazi ini
Ndofamba seiko ini nherera
Ndisina mari
Vamwe votenga mota
Wonai vakagarika
Ndiudzei kuti mwari ndewani
Vamwe vovake dzimba
Ndiudzei kuti rnwari ndewani
Mai-we vondiuraya muno munyika yamatsotsi
Baba ndotofira muno munyika yamatsotsi
Wonai vondiuraya muno munyika yamatsotsi
Baba ndotofira muno munyika yamatsotsi
Wonai vondiuraya muno munyika yamatsotsi
Baba ndotofira muno munyika yamatsotsi
Ndosvika sei kumusha
Ndisina mari yebhazi ini
Ndati ndofamba seiko ini nherera
Handina mari
Wonai vamwe votenga mota
Mai-we vakagarika
Ndiudzei kuti rnwari ndewani
Ah diko vamwe vovake dzimba
Shuwa vakagarika
Ndiudzei kuti rnwari ndewani
Wonai vondiuraya muno matsotsi
Baba ndotofira muno munyika yamatsotsi
The lyrics of Chiwoniso's song Matsotsi address the struggles and challenges faced by those who are financially disadvantaged in Zimbabwe, as well as the corruption that is rampant in the country. The song begins with the singer questioning how they will get home without any money for transportation, and also questioning why they are even out in the first place. There are others who are able to buy cars and build houses. The singer questions who is responsible for this disparity in wealth, and wonders if God is watching.
The second stanza is a lamentation from the perspective of a mother and father who have lost children to the violence and crime that is prevalent in a society lacking in resources and hope. They call out for justice and ask who is responsible for the chaos and mayhem in their community.
Overall, the lyrics of Matsotsi express the frustration, anxiety, and sadness that accompanies life under such conditions. The song's message is one of seeking to understand the cause of the poverty and corruption, and hoping for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Ndosvika sei kumusha
How do I reach home?
Ndisina mari yebhazi ini
I don't have money for transport
Ndofamba seiko ini nherera
Why do I walk alone like this?
Ndisina mari
I have no money
Vamwe votenga mota
Some people buy cars
Wonai vakagarika
Look at them, they're stunting
Ndiudzei kuti mwari ndewani
Tell me, where is God?
Vamwe vovake dzimba
Some people build houses
Shuwa vakagarika
Truly, they're showing off
Ndiudzei kuti rnwari ndewani
Tell me, where is God?
Mai-we vondiuraya muno munyika yamatsotsi
Mother, they're killing me in this land of thieves
Baba ndotofira muno munyika yamatsotsi
Father, I'm dying in this land of thieves
Wonai vondiuraya muno munyika yamatsotsi
Look, they're killing me in this land of thieves
Ndosvika sei kumusha
How do I reach home?
Ndisina mari yebhazi ini
I don't have money for transport
Ndati ndofamba seiko ini nherera
I said why do I walk alone like this?
Handina mari
I have no money
Wonai vamwe votenga mota
Look at some people buying cars
Mai-we vakagarika
Mother, they're stunting
Ndiudzei kuti rnwari ndewani
Tell me, where is God?
Ah diko vamwe vovake dzimba
Oh, some people build houses
Shuwa vakagarika
Truly, they're showing off
Ndiudzei kuti rnwari ndewani
Tell me, where is God?
Wonai vondiuraya muno matsotsi
Look, they're killing me in this land of thieves
Baba ndotofira muno munyika yamatsotsi
Father, I'm dying in this land of thieves
Writer(s): Chiwoniso Chaapocho Maxine Maraire, Adam Chisvo
Contributed by Aiden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robby Adams
on Zvichapera
I've seen these lyrics misinterpreted all over the internet and not only that but written into articles. This lonely road song you guys keep quoting as the lyrics to this are from Green Day's boulevard of broken dreams!!! Lol I highly doubt those are the lyrics to this song once translated.
GiGi
on Iwai Nesu
Be with us Father God
Father God, be with us
Some are sleeping on empty stomachs
Some are are dying from feasting
Somewhere some are perishing due to water/rains
Somewhere some are perishing due to the sun/heat
To lead and be led
We are your children
In our speaking and bluffing
We are your children
In what we think and dream
Peejay
on Urombo
They are reat 5 star
LT
on Vanorapa
Does anyone know the meaning of this song?