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.
Murombo
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rudo haruna murombo
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
Rudo haruna murombo
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
Rudo haruna murombo
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
Rudo haruna murombo
I′m very shame stereki
Hee ndigare rovha, madzimai akutanga kutiza so, hee?
Ndishaiwe mari mu-pocket
But ndigare ndinayo hobho yamari so
Ndokuti love igare irirpo
Shame I'm very shame too much mani
Sorry
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
Rudo haruna murombo
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
Rudo haruna murombo
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
Rudo haruna murombo
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Rudo haruna murombo (rudo haruna murombo)
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Rudo haruna murombo (rudo haruna murombo)
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Rudo haruna rovha (rudo haruna rovha)
Rudo harusarudze mdiwa (rudo harusarudze)
Rudo haruna rovha (rudo haruna rovha)
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Rudo haruna rovha (rudo haruna rovha)
But, ndikagara na-thousand dollar, madzimai hobho
Ndikashaya penny mumba so, madimai atanga mutizatiza
Very sorry
The song "Murombo" by Leonard Dembo is a powerful reflection on the complexities of love and shame. The lyrics repeat the phrase "Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye, Rudo haruna murombo" which can be translated to "Even if he's in rags, if love is present, there is no shame." Dembo sings about the shame and embarrassment he feels when he does not have enough money to impress a woman he desires, yet despite this, he believes that true love doesn't require wealth or material possessions. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes this central theme, that love is a powerful force that is not bound by external circumstances.
The lyrics also contain a number of social commentary and cultural references unique to Zimbabwean society. The line "ndikashaya penny mumba so, madimai atanga mutizatiza" speaks to the expectations placed on men to provide financially for women in traditional Zimbabwean culture. When a man is unable to meet these expectations, he may feel immense shame and inadequacy. However, the song suggests that love should not be reduced to material wealth, and that true love can exist beyond societal expectations and cultural norms.
Overall, "Murombo" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that speaks to universal themes of love, shame, and societal expectations, while also uniquely capturing the Zimbabwean experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Kunyangwe zvake ari murombo gara naye
If something is a treasure, keep it close to you
Rudo haruna murombo
Love is not a tangible asset
I'm very shame stereki
I feel very embarrassed
Hee ndigare rovha, madzimai akutanga kutiza so, hee?
I'm so ashamed, my wife sells second-hand clothes to help our household. Can you imagine?
Ndishaiwe mari mu-pocket
I have no money in my pockets
But ndigare ndinayo hobho yamari so
But I have something of value, which is my wealth
Ndokuti love igare irirpo
I say that love should be treated as a treasure
Shame I'm very shame too much mani
I'm extremely embarrassed
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Love should not be a source of pain and heartache
Rudo haruna murombo (rudo haruna murombo)
Love is not a material possession
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Love should not be a source of pain and heartache
Rudo haruna murombo (rudo haruna murombo)
Love is not a material possession
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Love should not be a source of pain and heartache
Rudo haruna rovha (rudo haruna rovha)
Love should not cause shame
Rudo harusarudze mdiwa (rudo harusarudze)
Love should be a source of comfort and healing
Rudo haruna rovha (rudo haruna rovha)
Love should not cause shame
Rudo harusarure mdiwa (rudo harusarure)
Love should not be a source of pain and heartache
Rudo haruna rovha (rudo haruna rovha)
Love should not cause shame
But, ndikagara na-thousand dollar, madzimai hobho
Despite having a lot of money, my wife still sells second-hand clothes
Ndikashaya penny mumba so, madimai atanga mutizatiza
I'm so broke, my wife has to help me financially
Very sorry
I apologize
Writer(s): Leonard Dembo
Contributed by Jacob K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@africankomo4011
Cheso power changed everything
@munyagerry7343
Dembo was incomparable to anyone even macheso knows it
@thandiwedengende6646
Rudo haruna murombo phenomenal!!!!
@user-td6vu9pb3o
Love this song
@gilbertmyambo2306
I remember playing this song on those LPs during the 80s & 90s. My father had lots of those
@mooty2450
Golden oldies when music was deep and an instrument of teaching social values. Not this new music which is like popcorn
@yeukaihoromba4782
Old school never runs out of fashion
@nchabomushanana4764
My favourite song Gire
@dzivakenias
Ndrimo munedzakaburwa kware
@shopemapedze3772
Dembo of all times we always miss you , rest in power Mukoma