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.
Zvichapera
Chiwoniso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Don't know where it goes but its only me and I walk alone.
I walk this emty street on a Bulevard of broken dreams, where the city sleeps and I'm the only and I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk alone, I walk alone, I walk
My shadow is the only one that walks beside me, my shadow
The lyrics of Chiwoniso's song "Zvichapera" speaks to the experience of being on a lonely journey. The first verse sets the tone for this journey by stating that the singer is on a lonely path that they have never known before. This path is unknown and uncertain, but they continue to walk it alone. The second verse further emphasizes this by describing their surroundings as an "empty street on a boulevard of broken dreams" and the city sleeps while they walk alone. The repetition of "I walk alone" at the end of each verse further emphasizes this solitude and isolation.
The repetition of the phrase "I walk alone" could also signify the singer's determination and strength. Despite the challenges of this lonely journey, they persist and continue to walk. The third verse brings in the image of the singer's shadow being the only thing that walks beside them. This could represent the idea of being one's own ally and support system. Even when no one else is around, the singer has their own shadow as a companion and reminder of their presence.
Overall, the lyrics of "Zvichapera" speak to the universal experience of going through challenging or uncertain times alone. While it may be isolating, it can also be a time of growth and self-discovery.
Contributed by Mia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robby Adams
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.
@animaaura
"Zvakatanga rinhiko, zvichapera seiko? "
When did it all start, and when will it end?
Wann hat es begonnen, und wann wird es enden?
"Zvichapera "
It will end
Es wird enden.
Der Rest ist Sprechgesang und ad lib - the rest is just chanting and ad libing.
@ej.93
Not just ad libing :
[00:53.14] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[01:00.13] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[01:06.32] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[01:13.10] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko?
[01:16.22] Zvichapera, zvichapera, zvichapera, zvichapera
[01:20.90]
[01:38.74] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[01:45.18] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[01:51.56] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[01:58.03] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[02:04.53] Zvichapera
[02:07.78] Zvichapera, zvichapera, zvichapera, zvichapera
[02:11.10] Werendei, werendei woyere ndende
[02:18.10] Werendei, iye wendei
[02:21.53] Werendei, iye iye woye
[02:24.67] Werendei, iye wendei
[02:27.97] Wereyi, iye iye woye
[02:31.00] Werendei, iye wendei
[02:34.33] Wereyi, iye iye woye
[02:42.88] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[02:49.29] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[02:55.67] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko? (Ah woye, ah hiye woyere)
[03:02.03] Zvakatanga riniko, zvichapera seiko?
[03:05.24] Zvichapera, zvichapera, zvichapera, zvichapera
[03:12.95] Were hiye woreye
[03:16.18] Wereyi i-i-i
[03:19.16] U-u-u-u u-hu-hu
@pudicamimosa5782
Maybe it's a bit late... but I found this one on Musixmatch:
I walk a lonly road, the only one that i haver ever known.
Don't know where it goes but its only me and I walk alone.
I walk this emty street on a Bulevard of broken dreams, where the city sleeps and I'm the only and I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk alone, I walk alone, I walk
My shadow is the only one that walks beside me, my shadow
@afrotree7647
this sounds magical with a really good set of headphones you hear all the intricate notes, this music hits something deep inside
rest in peace Chiwoniso
@charmanekimberly5095
2022 still listening to this masterpiece
@justanotheryoutubechannel1667
Zvichapera means "This too shall pass" in our language. Zimbabwe has been under despotic rule for 40 years. Well at least the last 20 years have been the worst
@thekkung
Thank you for the information and, Zvichapera..!
@Tinah1450
But she was not talking about politics here. This song is a public chorus chayimbwa nematateguru edu, kainyanyo rohwa koedza ♥️
@siriusakari6729
This is a Thomas Mapfumo original. But Chiwoniso did the song justice with this rendition. The song has to sentences in the Shona language-
Zvakatanga rinhiko? (When did this begin?)
Zvichapera seiko? (How will it end?)
Timeless indeed!!
@MssWalewska1
😍 Greetings from Poland! Wonderful mbira...
@raymondmoyo3327
Hello glad you like the mbira
@bernadettemadondo7055
For a moment, I thought I was listening to Mukanya; I didn't know that Chiwoniso had her own rendition. Beautiful voice she had!