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.
Manager
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Komhuri yako mwanaiwe unozoisapota neiko
Zvaunotuka maneja varivo vanokupa mari
Komhuri yako mwanaiwe unozoisapota neiko
Zvaunoita rere kuna ticha varivo vanokupa ruzivo
Payunivhesiti unozopasvika seiko
Zvaunoita rere kuna ticha varivo vanokupa ruzivo
Payunivhesiti unozopasvika seiko
Mukoma wangu ziva zvemhuri yako
Vangava vanokutadzira muromo hauzarirwe nerwizi
Mukoma wangu ziva zvemhuri yako
Iwe zvawakauya pano, inhamo yaikusunda
Mukoma wangu ziva zveupenyu hwako
Iwe zvawakauya pano inhamo yaikusunda
Mukoma wangu ziva zveupenyu hwako
Zvaunotuka maneja varivo vanokupa mari
Komhuri yako mwanaiwe unozoisapota neiko
Zvaunotuka maneja varivo vanokupa mari
Komhuri yako mwanaiwe unozoisapota neiko
Zvaunoita rere kuna ticha varivo vanokupa ruzivo
Payunivhesiti unozopasvika seiko
Zvaunoita rere kuna ticha varivo vanokupa ruzivo
Payunivhesiti unozopasvika seiko
Vangava vanokutadzira muromo hauzarirwe nerwizi
Mukoma wangu ziva zvemhuri yako
Vangava vanokutadzira muromo hauzarirwe nerwizi
Mukoma wangu ziva zvemhuri yako
Iwe zvawakauya pano inhamo yaikusunda
Mukoma wangu ziva zveupenyu hwako
Iwe zvawakauya pano inhamo yaikusunda
Mukoma wangu ziva zveupenyu hwako
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mukoma
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira hanzvadzi
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mukoma
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira hanzvadzi
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mukoma
The lyrics to Leonard Dembo's song "Manager" are about the struggles and hardships that a manager faces in trying to provide for their family. The opening line states "You are angry at the manager, because he gives you money, but you support your own child with it." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is about the manager's obligation to provide for their family while also dealing with the stress and pressure of their job.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of education, with the line "You are doing well, there are students who give you knowledge, and when you finish college, you will arrive where?" This line questions the value of education and whether it truly leads to success and prosperity.
The song also expresses the idea that the manager is constantly under attack, with the lines "People are attacking you, don't be discouraged by fear. My brother, know about your family." This line suggests that the manager should focus on their family and not be deterred by the criticism and obstacles they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Zvaunotuka maneja varivo vanokupa mari
You are angry at the manager who doesn't pay you enough
Komhuri yako mwanaiwe unozoisapota neiko
Your family depends on you, and you have to support them alone
Zvaunoita rere kuna ticha varivo vanokupa ruzivo
You work hard to teach the managers who don't know much
Payunivhesiti unozopasvika seiko
You had to compromise on education to reach this point
Vangava vanokutadzira muromo hauzarirwe nerwizi
Your colleagues are badmouthing you, but you can't express your frustration
Mukoma wangu ziva zvemhuri yako
My brother, I understand your family situation
Iwe zvawakauya pano, inhamo yaikusunda
You came here looking for a better life, but it's just making you suffer
Mukoma wangu ziva zveupenyu hwako
My brother, I understand your struggles in life
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mukoma
Don't lose hope, my brother, even though poverty is tormenting you
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira hanzvadzi
Don't lose hope, my sister, even though poverty is tormenting you
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mukoma
Don't lose hope, my brother, even though poverty is tormenting you
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira hanzvadzi
Don't lose hope, my sister, even though poverty is tormenting you
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mukoma
Don't lose hope, my brother, even though poverty is tormenting you
Contributed by Brody E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@edwardmujoni9566
THE LEGEND.FULL OF DEEP TEACHINGS.I humbly listen to this educative music.RIP
@felicianocheiro5850
Gosto muito músicas Zimbábueano
@tembamy
Rueben Kadira why did u die so early my friend 😥😭😭, wen I first came to Harare from Bulawayo u taught me how to speak Shona, i remember wen u explained each word of this song, rest in peace
@chikamburerobson9872
Usarege nhamo ichikukurira mkoma
@anesumunyawiri3580
the king of sungura RIP.
@josephshiwombenauyoma3678
The old school that last up today
@thevolleyballguy2935
The be of the best in sugura music in the whole world...RIP dembo am Mathew rockaz from walvisbay Namibia
@trynoshwata6217
Musoro wenyoka to the fullest