A musician of a Leonard Zhakata mold, the 20t… Read Full Bio ↴Born: 1961. Died: 1997
A musician of a Leonard Zhakata mold, the 20th century's final decade saw Leonard Dembo emerge as the latest in a line of domestic superstars. Some consider his music to be classic Zimbabwean rhumba, while other feel its sungura. One thing is for certain; no matter how it is classified, it is good! Despite starting his musical career in 1985, Leonard Dembo didn't hit full-stride until the 1990s. The former cattle herder became insanely popular with his 1992 hit Chitekete, in which his lyrics drew upon traditional Shona sayings. According to Afropop, the track was so popular (it sold more than 100 000 copies) that it became a standard wedding song. Dembo and his band, Barura Express, stuck to their guitar band-sound, pumping out both danceable and singable hits. Sadly, tragedy struck as the band hit full stride. Dembo died before his music had the opportunity to truly reach international audiences.
Despite the death of their talismanic leader, Barura Express has continued touring and recording without Dembo.
Dudzai
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chasara chete kumirira imba yako
Hona mwana wangu, zvawadai wakura
Chasara chete kumirira imba yako
Hona mwana wangu, zvawadai wakura
Chasara chete kumirira imba yako
Uri ruva rangu iwe, rega kuora moyo
Baba namai vachafara rasvika zuva resvitsa
Hama dziri kure tichachaira foni
Hama dziri pedo, tichadzinyorera tsamba
Mukoma wangu Soromoni, tichamutumira shoko
Ehe
Venenziya kura mwanangu Venenziya kurawo
Venenziya kura mwanangu Venenziya kura
Venenziya terera mwanangu Venenziya tererawo
Venenziya kwaunoenda uko Venenziya tererawo
Venenziya unoziva aniko Venenziya terera
Venenziya vamwene chete Venenziya kura
Venenziya usanotaura Venenziya tererawo
Venenziya kura mwanangu Venenziya kurawo
Venenziya kwaunoenda uko Venenziya tererawo
Venenziya unoziva aniko Venenziya terera
Venenziya murume wako chete Venenziya terera
Venenziya usanotaura Venenziya tererawo
Venenziya kura mwanangu Venenziya kurawo
The opening lines of Leonard Dembo's song "Dudzai" are about a parent's pride in their child's growth and maturity. The singer addresses their child, asking them what they have done with their newfound adulthood. However, the parent tells them that despite their growth, they should not forget the songs and traditions of their youth. The repetition of the lines "Hona mwana wangu, zvawadai wakura, chasara chete kumirira imba yako" emphasizes the importance of not losing touch with one's roots.
The second half of "Dudzai" touches on themes of family, separation, and communication. The singer mentions relatives who are far away, and how they will try to stay in touch through phone calls and letters. They also address a brother named Soromoni, who they will communicate with through letters. The chorus repeats the name "Venenziya" multiple times, possibly referring to the city of Venice in Italy, and urging the child to be careful and aware of their surroundings. The line "Venenziya murume wako chete" suggests that the child may be traveling with their partner or spouse.
Line by Line Meaning
Hona mwana wangu, zvawadai wakura
Look at my child, how grown you've become
Chasara chete kumirira imba yako
Don't stop singing your song
Uri ruva rangu iwe, rega kuora moyo
You are my soul, don't be sad
Baba namai vachafara rasvika zuva resvitsa
Your father and mother will always be proud of you
Hama dziri kure tichachaira foni
Relatives who are far away, we will call each other
Hama dziri pedo, tichadzinyorera tsamba
Relatives who are near, we will share food
Mukoma wangu Soromoni, tichamutumira shoko
My elder brother Soromoni, we will send him greetings
Venenziya kura mwanangu Venenziya kurawo
Venice, take care of my child Venice take care
Venenziya terera mwanangu Venenziya tererawo
Venice, listen to my child Venice listen
Venenziya kwaunoenda uko Venenziya tererawo
Venice, where are you going? Venice listen
Venenziya unoziva aniko Venenziya terera
Venice, do you know anyone there? Venice listen
Venenziya vamwene chete Venenziya kura
Venice, take care of my family Venice take care
Venenziya usanotaura Venenziya tererawo
Venice, don't be silent Venice listen
Venenziya murume wako chete Venenziya terera
Venice, take care of your husband Venice listen
Writer(s): Leonard Dembo
Contributed by Charlie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@phintarry5114
They dnt speak much about you Legend and its not because they never loved you but because there are no better words to express or describe their Love for your greatness in this industry
@user-je9pt8qb7y
Wow..nice song❤❤