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.
Kukura hakutane
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dai ndakaziva ndakangoti ndidewo
Inga kukura hakutani, mwana wakakura ndichiona
Dai ndakaziva ndakangoti ndidewo
Inga kukura hakutani, mwana wakakura ndichiona
Nhasi wakushaina nevanomuda
Inga kukura hakutani, mwana wakakura ndichiona
Nhasi wakushaina nevanomuda
Hoyo wayenda, wayenda gwenyakwenya rangu, ndochema
Hoyo wayenda, wayenda gwenyakwenya rangu, ndochema
Iriyo nhamo yandifungisa gwenyakwenya, ndochema
Iriyo nhamo yandifungisa gwenyakwenya, ndochema
Nhamo ndihwo upenyu hwedu vanhu tose
Nhamo ndihwo upenyu hwedu vanhu tose
Hapana munhu angakunda nhamo pasi pano, inokundwa newafa
Hapana munhu angakunda nhamo pasi pano, inokundwa newafa
Nhamo hupenyu hwedu vatema nevachenaka, nhamo haisarure
Nhamo hupenyu hwedu vatema nevachenazve, nhamo haisarure
Inhamo yedu, tiri vaviri, tikashinga tichakunda
Inhamo yedu, tiri vaviri, tikashinga tichakunda (ini neZimbabwe)
Hoyo wayenda, wayenda gwenyakwenya rangu, ndochema
Iriyo nhamo yandifungisa gwenyakwenya, ndochema
Nhamo ndihwo upenyu hwedu vanhu tose
Hapana munhu angakunda nhamo pasi pano, inokundwa newafa
Nhamo hupenyu hwedu vatema nevachenaka, nhamo haisarure
Inhamo yedu, tiri vaviri, tikashinga tichakunda (ini neZimbabwe)
The lyrics of Leonard Dembo's song "Kukura hakutani" express the pain and regret of a father who abandoned his young son and is now witnessing him grown-up, successful, and surrounded by people who love him. The phrase "Inga kukura hakutani" is Shona and translates to "I never thought you would grow up like this." The repetition of this phrase throughout the song emphasizes the father's surprise and disappointment in himself. The father reflects on how things could have been different, wishing he had known then what he knows now. He acknowledges the weight of his past mistakes and the enduring consequences of his actions.
The second part of the song speaks to the universal experience of human suffering and the importance of resilience. The phrase "Nhamo ndihwo upenyu hwedu vanhu tose" translates to "Sorrow is always a part of our lives." The song acknowledges that we all carry pain with us, but it also encourages us to persevere and to find strength in community. The repetition of "inhamo yedu, tiri vaviri, tikashinga tichakunda" reinforces the idea that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can overcome them together.
Overall, "Kukura hakutani" is a poignant song that addresses themes of regret, growth, and resilience. It speaks to the interconnectedness of human experience and encourages us all to find the courage to confront our mistakes, to learn from them, and to move forward with hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Inga kukura hakutani, mwana wakakura ndichiona
Growing up happens fast, I see my child has grown
Dai ndakaziva ndakangoti ndidewo
If only I had known, I would have hugged you more
Nhasi wakushaina nevanomuda
Today, you play with friends who love you
Hoyo wayenda, wayenda gwenyakwenya rangu, ndochema
My dear one has gone, and I cry silently
Iriyo nhamo yandifungisa gwenyakwenya, ndochema
This pain teaches me to mourn silently
Nhamo ndihwo upenyu hwedu vanhu tose
Pain is a part of life for us all
Hapana munhu angakunda nhamo pasi pano, inokundwa newafa
No one can hide from pain, we are all bound to experience it
Nhamo hupenyu hwedu vatema nevachenaka, nhamo haisarure
Pain is a part of life for the rich and poor, and it never goes away
Inhamo yedu, tiri vaviri, tikashinga tichakunda
In our pain, we are united, and we will overcome together (both me and Zimbabwe)
Contributed by Micah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sallie Waha Manguvhewa
on Chitekete
can some pls translate this song to english