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.

Munovenga Mudzimai Wangu
Leonard Dembo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hama dzangu munovenga mudzimai wangu
Wandinoda ndingauvake seiko musha wacho uyu
Hama dzangu munovenga mudzimai wangu
Wandinoda ndingaugare seiko musha wacho ini
Hama dzangu munovenga basa rangu
Randinoda ndingarishande seiko imi musingaride
Hama dzangu munovenga basa rangu
Randinoda ndingarishande seiko imi musingaride

Kuzoti ndikave rovha pamba penyu munondichengeta here imika
Kuzoti ndikave simbe pamba pano munondiyemura here imika
Kuzoti ndikave mbavha pamba penyu mundida here imi ka
Kuzoti ndikave tsotsi pamba penyu munondida here imi ka
Kuzoti akave pfambi pamba penyu munomuda here imika
Regai arorwe
Regai arorwe
Hama dzangu munovenga mudzimai wangu
Wandinoda ndingauvake seiko musha wacho ini
Hama dzangu munovenga basa rangu
Randinoda ndingarishande seiko imi musingaride
Kuzoti ndikave rovha pamba penyu munondichengeta here imika
Kuzoti ndikave simbe pamba pano munondiyemura here imika
Kuzoti ndikave mbavha pamba penyu mundida here imi ka
Kuzoti ndikave tsotsi pamba penyu munondida here imi ka
Kuzoti akave pfambi pamba penyu munomuda here imika
Regai arorwe
Regai arorwe
Aihwa ndaneta kutaura manyanya
Zvenyu ndakoniwa
Togara seiko kutaura manyanya
Zvenyu ndakoniwa
Toshanda seiko kutaura manyanya
Zvenyu takoniwa
Ruvengo rwanyanya kutaura manyanya
Zvenyu takoniwa
Tiregerereiwo kutaura taneta zvenyu takoniwa
Totokutyai kutaura manyanya
Zvenyu takoniwa

Toshanda seiko kutaura manyanya
Zvenyu takoniwa

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Leonard Dembo's song Munovenga Mudzimai Wangu describe the frustrations and challenges faced by the singer in his relationship with his wife. He addresses his family members, expressing his dissatisfaction with their constant interference in his affairs and their tendency to criticize his wife. Despite their disapproval, he makes it clear that he loves his wife and will continue to stand by her.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Hama dzangu munovenga mudzimai wangu" which means "My relatives, you criticize my wife." He goes on to say that he wants to live with his wife and questioning why they don't want him to be with her. He then turns his attention to his work, stating that he wants to work but he can't if his family is going to prevent him from doing so. The final part of the song sees the singer defending his wife against accusations of theft, stating that she is not a thief and loves her regardless.

Overall, the song speaks to the difficulties of balancing family expectations with personal desires, and the struggles faced by many in navigating their relationships with loved ones.

Line by Line Meaning

Hama dzangu munovenga mudzimai wangu
My relatives keep gossiping about my wife

Wandinoda ndingauvake seiko musha wacho uyu
I want to build a house for her, why are you so concerned about her home?

Hama dzangu munovenga basa rangu
My relatives keep criticizing my work

Randinoda ndingarishande seiko imi musingaride
I want to work hard, why are you not supporting me?

Kuzoti ndikave rovha pamba penyu munondichengeta here imika
If I were sick, would you take care of me or ignore me like this?

Kuzoti ndikave simbe pamba pano munondiyemura here imika
If I were rich, would you envy or celebrate with me?

Kuzoti ndikave mbavha pamba penyu mundida here imi ka
If I were a thief, would you still love me?

Kuzoti ndikave tsotsi pamba penyu munondida here imi ka
If I were a thug, would you still like me?

Kuzoti akave pfambi pamba penyu munomuda here imika
If I were poor, would you still love me?

Regai arorwe
Let them talk

Aihwa ndaneta kutaura manyanya
Oh, I'm tired of hearing gossip