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.
Shiri Yakangwara
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mwana iwe newewo ngwara iwe eeeh
Shiri yakangwara inovaka dendere rayo nguva iripo iyo
Mwana iwe newewó ngwara iwe eeeh
Mujuru unovaka imba yawo mvura isati yaturuka iyo
Mujuru unovaka imba yawo mvura isati yaturuka iyo
Mwana iwe newewo ngwara iwe eeeh
Kondo inovaka imba yayo pamanhenga kuti
Pasawana anotora vana vayo, ngwara iwe eeeh
Kondo inovaka imba yayo pamanhenga,
Kuti pasawana vayo, ngwara iwe eeeh
Inokandira mazai akafanana nevhu,
Iyo Hurekure kuti vanhu vasaona, ngwara iwe eeeh
Shiri yakangwara inovaka dendere rayo nguva iripo iyo
Mwana iwe newewo ngwara iwe eeeh
Mujuru unovaka imba yawo mvura isati
Yaturuka iyo, mwana iwe, newewo ngwara iwe eeeeh
Kondo inovaka imba yayo pamanhenga,
Kuti pasawana anotora vana vayo, ngwara iwe eeh
Zano rako chete, ndiro guru pakumisa bango rako
Zano rako chete, ndiro guru pakumisa musha wako
Hana yako chete, ndiwo musimboti wezvaunoronga
Hana yako chete ndiwo musimboti wezvaunofunga
Zano rako chete ndiro guru pakumisa bango rako
The lyrics of Leonard Dembo's song "Shiri Yakangwara" are about the bird that lays an egg in the nest and then flies away, leaving the egg to be hatched and the bird to grow up on its own. The song reflects on the challenges that come with raising a child and the importance of providing for them so that they can grow up to be successful. The first verse talks about the bird laying its egg in the nest during the time it is available. The chorus repeats the line "Mwana iwe newewó ngwara iwe" which translates to "my child, you are like the bird" and serves as a reminder that the child is reliant on the parent to provide for them.
The second verse then talks about the challenges that come with raising a child, with the example of the farmer who has to plant their crops before the rain comes to ensure that they grow. Similarly, the parent must provide for their child before they grow up so that they can have a successful life. The third verse then talks about the importance of protecting your child from those who would harm them, with the example of the hunter who would take the bird's young if they are not protected. The final verse brings the message together, with the statement that one's only duty is to raise their child well and provide for them, and in doing so, they will be remembered.
Line by Line Meaning
Shiri yakangwara inovaka dendere rayo nguva iripo iyo
The bird with beautiful feathers spreads its wings when time is right
Mwana iwe newewo ngwara iwe eeeh
You, my child, inherit its beauty
Mujuru unovaka imba yawo mvura isati yaturuka iyo
The farmer plants crops in anticipation of rain, even in uncertain times
Kondo inovaka imba yayo pamanhenga kuti Pasawana anotora vana vayo, ngwara iwe eeeh
The warrior plants crops in distant lands so that his children won't go hungry, inheriting the beauty of the bird
Inokandira mazai akafanana nevhu, Iyo Hurekure kuti vanhu vasaona, ngwara iwe eeeh
The bird gathers eggs that look the same, but can only be distinguished by the wise, passing on its beauty to future generations
Zano rako chete, ndiro guru pakumisa bango rako
Your wealth is only shown by how you use it to benefit your community
Zano rako chete, ndiro guru pakumisa musha wako
Your wealth is only shown by how you use it to benefit your family and home
Hana yako chete, ndiwo musimboti wezvaunoronga
Your true strength is in standing up for what you believe in
Hana yako chete ndiwo musimboti wezvaunofunga
Your true strength is in your ability to think for yourself
Zano rako chete ndiro guru pakumisa bango rako
Your wealth is only shown by how you use it to benefit your community
Contributed by Riley O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sallie Waha Manguvhewa
on Chitekete
can some pls translate this song to english