Born: 1961. Died: 1997

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.

Fungai
Leonard Dembo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kare, kare, ndichiri jaya ini
(Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba)
Kare, kare, ndichiri jaya ini
(Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror)

Taigara zvakananka, tichidanana zvakanaka
(Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba)
Taigara zvakananka, tichidanana zvakanaka

(Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror)

Asi nhasi ndaroora ini
(Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba)
Asi nhasi ndaroora ini
(Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror)

Magariro acho, otondinetsa aya
(Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba)
Magariro acho, otondishupa ini
(Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror)

Muroora wacho itsono chaiyo yepamoyo
(Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba)
Muroora wacho iganho chairo repamoyo
(Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror)

Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba usaore moyo
(Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba)
Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror usaore moyo
(Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror)

Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana ndakutadzirawo ndiregerere
Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana ndakutadzirawo ndiregerere

Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana ndakutadzirawo ndiregerere
Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana takatadzirana tikanganwirane

Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana takatadzirana tikanganwirane
Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana takatadzirana tikanganwirane

Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana ndakutadzirawo ndiregerere
Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Kana takatadzirana tikanganwirane

Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu

Overall Meaning

The song "Fungai" by Leonard Dembo is a sad and emotional love ballad about the struggles of being in a relationship. The opening lines of the song, "Kare, kare, ndichiri jaya ini" roughly translate to "I am in a bad state." The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the despair the singer is feeling. The following lines, "Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba" can be translated to mean "These are the troubles of my heart." So, the song is about the pain and turmoil that the singer is facing, which is reflected in his state of mind.

The chorus of the song, "Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu" means "Listen to me my love." The repeated use of this line reveals the desperation of the singer to be heard and understood by his beloved. He begs her to be patient as they navigate their struggles, saying, "Kana ndakutadzirawo ndiregerere," which means "If I make mistakes, forgive me and let me learn." He also hopes that they can find a way to come together and overcome their troubles: "Kana takatadzirana tikanganwirane" or "If we fix our problems, we can be happy together."

Overall, "Fungai" is a poignant and heartfelt song that expresses the universal themes of love, pain, and hope for a better future. The singer's emotions are conveyed through his powerful voice and the heartfelt lyrics, making the song a meaningful and relatable piece of music.

Line by Line Meaning

Kare, kare, ndichiri jaya ini
I am struggling and suffering in life

Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba
These are the challenges affecting my personal life

Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror
The difficulties are overwhelming and filled with fear

Taigara zvakananka, tichidanana zvakanaka
We used to live in harmony and love

Asi nhasi ndaroora ini
But now, I am alone and in pain

Magariro acho, otondishupa ini
The challenges are weighing me down and causing me suffering

Muroora wacho iganho chairo repamoyo
My wife is a source of comfort and joy in my heart

Ndiwo magariro mwanangu emudzimba usaore moyo
These challenges in my personal life are threatening my well-being

Chakafukidza dzimba matenga, mune horror usaore moyo
The overwhelming difficulties and fear are adding to the threat to my well-being

Fungai ho-ho mudiwa wangu
Please forgive me, my dear

Kana ndakutadzirawo ndiregerere
If I have wronged you, please accept my apology