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.
Sharai
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ndinonzwa musoro uye handirari.
Gunzvenzve remwoyo wangu ndikakufunga ndinochema
Ndinonzwa musoro uye handirari.
Tsamba dzaunonyora dzinonditambudza pfungwa dzangu
Ndikadziverenga handirari.
Tsamba dzaunonyora dzinonditambudza pfungwa dzangu
Nguva yareba dhiya wangu tapesana ndotokuona pamufananidzo.
Nguva yareba dhiya wangu tapesana ndotokuona pamufananidzo.
Sharai usaputsa chirangano.
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
Sharai usaputse chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputsa chirangano ungandigumbura.
Mwana usaputsa chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputsa chirangano ungandigumbura
Gunzvenzve remoyo wangu ndikakufunga ndinochema
Ndinonzwa musoro uye handirari
Tsamba dzaunonyora dzinonditambudza pfungwa dzangu
Ndikadziverenga handirari
Nguva yareba dhiya wangu tapesana ndotokuona pamufananidzo
Nguva yareba dhiya wangu tapesana ndotokuona pamufananidzo
Sharai usaputse chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
Mwana usaputse chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
Chokwadi usaputse chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
Sharai usaputse chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
Mwana usaputse chirangano
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
The lyrics of Leonard Dembo's song "Sharai" express the pain of a heartbroken individual who is lamenting the loss of a loved one. The repetitive phrase "gunzvenzve remwoyo wangu ndikakufunga ndinochema, ndinonzwa musoro uye handirari" (the beating of my heart makes me cry and my head hurts) highlights the emotional turmoil the individual is experiencing as they think about their lost love. The mention of "tsamba dzaunonyora" (the words you wrote) suggests that the individual has letters or messages they received from their lover, which they find difficult to read or revisit.
The chorus, "Sharai usaputse chirangano, chirangano chedu usaputsa chirangano ungandigumbura," is a plea to the person who left not to break the bond they had together. "Chirangano" (the bond) could refer to their relationship or even their friendship. The use of the word "gumbura" (to make me feel ashamed) in the chorus suggests that the individual feels embarrassed or humiliated by the breakup and does not want to be associated with it. The repetition of the refrain and chorus emphasizes the pain and longing for the return of the loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Gunzvenzve remwoyo wangu ndikakufunga ndinochema
My heart is troubled as I think of you, causing me to cry
Ndinonzwa musoro uye handirari.
I feel heavy-headed and restless
Tsamba dzaunonyora dzinonditambudza pfungwa dzangu
The songs you wrote keep ringing in my mind, making me think deeply
Ndikadziverenga handirari.
I become dizzy when I read them
Nguva yareba dhiya wangu tapesana ndotokuona pamufananidzo.
When I watch my reflection in the mirror, I see you in my likeness
Sharai usaputsa chirangano.
Friend, do not break the bond between us
Chirangano chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbura
If you break our bond, I will mourn and be sad
Mwana usaputsa chirangano
Child, do not break the bond between us
Chokwadi usaputse chirangano
Truly, do not break the bond between us
Contributed by Michael S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@claudinechimanga1071
I love this song my father is the one who taught me to love old skul music haaaa Dembo was the best and will always be the best
@annotatedmedicaltutorials858
same with me, ndakatanga kuteerereswa Dembo ndichiri mudumbu chaimo na mdara wangu
@annotatedmedicaltutorials858
This is one of the ONLY 2 songs he made official videos for. I was lucky to watch it once ,when someone requested it on Music Calabash on Ztv in 2012. That man was simple. Another one is Manager, and am glad that one is here on YouTube.
@glomukbusiness
I cannot get the right words to describe the feeling i felt and still feel when listening to these songs
@wesleymbewe9339
Inonzi nostalgia Mukudzei. I miss those days.
@westonjinjika7422
Tiri Kumapurazi naamai wangu uko kwa Rusape. Now in UAE kuzvishandira hangu . Ungazondiziva here. tisu waiwambova kumapurazi. ..Continue to rest momz. Rest in peace adhala
@tinotendamupindu8558
Love yaitotsva via tsamba mazuva aya.
@tendaimashingaidze7823
gunzvenzve re moyo wangu,ndikakufunga ndinochema ndinonzwa musoro huye handirare.....nguva yareba dhiya wangu tapesana ndotokuona pamifananidzo.....sharai usaputse chirangano chirangano chedu,chedu usaputse chirangano ungandigumbure....
@kimmutek5217
30/06/2022 still listening to this great Dembo song. Iconic sounds here presented. Stars don't struggle to shine, even in death. RIP Mavara.👏👏
@wendyspiwe
Same here