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.

Shamwari yangu warova
Leonard Dembo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Shamwari yangu warova neiko kudaro?
Shamwari basa ranga randiwandira
Shamwari yangu warova neiko kudaro?
Shamwari basa ranga randiwandira

Ukandiona mukomana wamadhiri
Ndinoonekwa nembonje
Ukandiona mukomana wamadhiri

Ndinoonekwa nembonje

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nemavanga
Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nemavanga

Yangu yekuda kupfuma iyi
Yandipinza mudhiri shamwari yejere
Yangu yekuda kupfuma iyi
Yandipinza mudhiri shamwari yejere

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nekungwara
Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nekungwara

Uchisiyana nazvoka vanokuda mwanawe
Siyana nazvo vanochema amai
Siyana nazvo vanochema baba vako
Siyana nazvo vanochema kumusha iwe
Siyana nazvo vanochema mhuri yese

Shamwari yangu warova neiko kudaro?
Shamwari basa ranga randiwandira

Ukandiona mukomana wamadhiri
Ndinoonekwa nembonje

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nemavanga

Yangu yekuda kupfuma iyi
Yandipinza mudhiri shamwari yejere

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nekungwara

Uchisiyana nazvoka vanokuda mwanawe
Siyana nazvo vanochema amai
Siyana nazvo vanochema baba vako
Siyana nazvo vanochema kumusha iwe
Siyana nazvo vanochema mhuri yese

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
Anoonekwa nekungwara

Uchisiyana nazvoka vanokuda mwanawe
Siyana nazvo vanochema amai
Siyana nazvo vanochema baba vako

Siyana nazvo vanochema kumusha iwe
Siyana nazvo vanochema mhuri yese

Overall Meaning

The song "Shamwari Yangu Warova" by Leonard Dembo is a poignant and emotional tribute to a dear friend who has passed away. The lyrics are filled with questions and reflections on the nature of death and the pain of loss. The opening lines of the song set the mournful tone, with Dembo asking his friend why he had to die like this. The repetition of the questions throughout the song conveys a sense of disbelief and the inability to come to terms with the loss.

The verses of the song describe various scenes and situations where the singer sees young people in their prime, both boys and girls, and laments their untimely deaths. The line "Yangu yekuda kupfuma iyi, yandipinza mudhiri shamwari yejere" is particularly poignant, as it expresses the singer's own longing for a long and healthy life, but being confronted with the harsh reality of death. The final verses of the song express the singer's grief for those who are left behind - the parents, the family, and the community who are all affected by the loss of a loved one.

Overall, "Shamwari Yangu Warova" is a powerful song that evokes strong emotions in the listener. It is a tribute to the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

Line by Line Meaning

Shamwari yangu warova neiko kudaro?
My friend, why did you betray me like this?

Shamwari basa ranga randiwandira
You were supposed to be trustworthy, but you let me down

Ukandiona mukomana wamadhiri
When you saw a vulnerable young man

Ndinoonekwa nembonje
I am seen as an opportunity to be taken advantage of

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
When you saw a vulnerable young woman

Anoonekwa nemavanga
She is seen as an object to be exploited

Yangu yekuda kupfuma iyi
All I want is to thrive in life

Yandipinza mudhiri shamwari yejere
But you threw me into a situation that ruined me, my dear friend

Ukamuona musikana wamadhiri
When you saw a vulnerable young woman

Anoonekwa nekungwara
She is now seen as a burden, a source of shame

Uchisiyana nazvoka vanokuda mwanawe
Everyone has their own problems, even those who seem to have it all