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.

Ndibatsireivo Ndanzwa
Leonard Dembo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Nhai sekuru ndibatsireiwo mune zvinondinetsa
Muzukuru wenyu ndatambura wani nokugarochema
Nhai sekuru ndibatsireiwo mune zvinondinetsa
Muzukuru wenyu ndatambura wani nokugarochema

Pokugara chaipo chaipo panondinetsa
Mwana wenyu ndatambura nemisodzi pama tama
Pokugara chaipo chaipo panondinetsa

Mwana wenyu ndatambura nemisodzi pama tama

Imi munoramba kundibatsira mune zvinondinetsa
Kuna Ruramai munomubatsira musina kumbokumbirwa
Imi munoramba kundibatsira mune zvinondinetsa
Kuna Ruramai munomubatsira musina kumbokumbirwa

Hembe chaiyo imwechete chiomandikupfeke
Ingawani ndadaidzira nemisodzi ndanzwa
Hembe chaiyo imwechete chiomandikupfeke
Ingawani ndadaidzira nemisodzi ndanzwa

Ndokoromoka pamusoro soro pegomo
Varume we huyai mundichingurewo ndanzwa
Ndokoromoka pamusoro soro pegomo
Varume we huyai mundichingurewo ndanzwa

Amainini ndibatsireiwo mune zvinondinetsa
Ingawani ndadaidzira nemisodzi ndanzwa
Amainini ndibatsireiwo mune zvinondinetsa
Ingawani ndadaidzira nemisodzi ndanzwa

Huya undinyaradze isa chiedza kwandiri
Ndikangokuona zvinondinetsa ndombo zvikanganwa
Huya unditurike chiedza ndamirira
Huya ndingokuona zvako kamwechete kuhope
Ruva rerusununguko rwemoyo wangu

Huya undinyaradze isa chiedza kwandiri
Ndikangokuona zvinondinetsa ndombozvikanganwa
Huya unditurike chiedza ndamirira

Huya ndingokuona zvako kamwechete kuhope
Ruva rerusununguko rwemoyo wangu

Overall Meaning

The song "Ndibatsireiwo Ndanzwa" by Leonard Dembo is a plea to elders and loved ones to come to the rescue of the singer and his nephew, who are both going through difficult times. The song revolves around the idea of seeking assistance and comfort during hard times. The singer, addressing his elders, says that he is going through a lot of difficulties and needs their help. He also mentions that his nephew is struggling as well and is crying all the time. They both need help, and the singer is asking his elders to come forth and help them.

The lines "huya undinyaradze isa chiedza kwandiri," which mean "come and dry my tears with the light of hope," represent the singer's strong desire for hope and a better tomorrow. He is asking his elders to help him see the light at the end of the tunnel, to give him hope, and to inspire him to keep pushing forward. The song emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community during times of hardship, supporting each other, and being a source of comfort to those who are struggling.

Overall, "Ndibatsireiwo Ndanzwa" is a heartfelt plea for help, comfort, and hope. The song highlights the important role of community and family in supporting one another and overcoming tough times.

Line by Line Meaning

Nhai sekuru ndibatsireiwo mune zvinondinetsa
Please uncle, help me with the things that trouble me

Muzukuru wenyu ndatambura wani nokugarochema
Your nephew is going through a lot and is crying

Pokugara chaipo chaipo panondinetsa
Just living by itself troubles me

Mwana wenyu ndatambura nemisodzi pama tama
Your child is struggling with tears all the time

Imi munoramba kundibatsira mune zvinondinetsa
You always help me with my troubles

Kuna Ruramai munomubatsira musina kumbokumbirwa
With the help of Ruramai, you help me without me having to ask

Hembe chaiyo imwechete chiomandikupfeke
Just this one cloth is what I have and it is causing me pain

Ingawani ndadaidzira nemisodzi ndanzwa
I am wearing it with tears in my eyes

Ndokoromoka pamusoro soro pegomo
My head is dizzy and spinning

Varume we huyai mundichingurewo ndanzwa
Men please come and help me stand up

Amainini ndibatsireiwo mune zvinondinetsa
Please sisters, help me with the things that trouble me