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.
nzungu ndamenya
Leonard Dembo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ndatsvaga padavi raro ndarishaya
Njiva yangu yatorwa naniko
Ndatsvaga mudendere rayo ndaishaya
Njiva yangu yatorwa naniko
Ndatsvaga mudendere rayo ndaishaya
Vane chigumbu chikuru amai
Vanditanhira ruva ravo ndariramba
Vanditanhira ruva ravo handiride
Ndavaudza varamba amai. Ndinaye wangu nzungu muchiona ndamenya
Ndavaudza varamba ambuya. Ndinaye wangu nzungu muchaona ndamenya
Wakanaka mwana weshoroma
Ndinomuda anodiwa nevakawanda
Dai wananawo naye
Wakanaka mwana weshoroma
Ndinomuda anodiwa nevakawanda
Dai wananawo naye
Ndinzwewo ka mwana weshoroma
Nhume dzangu dzawanda
Nyuchi dzisina basa dzinouya pasina maruva ka
Ndatambura newe iwe
Ndikafunga mwana we shoroma
Ndatadza kuziva nezvandiri kuronga newe iwe ka
Ndikafunga mwana weshoroma wavapengesa
Vatadza kuziva nezvari kuronga newe iwe ka
Ndikati ndifare newe vane chizondo
Kuti nditaure newe ruvengo rwuripo
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
Ruva rangu ratanhwa naniko
Ndatsvaga padavi raro ndarishaya
Njiva yangu yatorwa naniko
Ndatsvaga mudendere rayo ndaishaya
Mzembe yangu yatorwa naniko
Ndatsvaga mudendere rayo ndaishaiya
Vane chigumbu chikuru amai
Vanditanhira ruva ravo ndariramba
Vane chigumbu chikuru ambuya
Vanditanhira ruva ravo handiride
Ndavaudza varamba amai. Ndinaye wangu nzungu muchiona ndamenya
Ndavaudza varamba ambuya. Ndinaye wangu nzungu muchaona ndamenya
Wakanaka mwana weshoroma
Ndinomuda anodiwa nevakawanda
Dai wananawo naye
Wakanaka mwana weshoroma
Ndinomuda anodiwa nevakawanda
Dai wananawo naye
Ndinzwewo ka mwana weshoroma
Nhume dzangu dzawanda
Nyuchi dzisina basa dzinouya pasina maruva ka
Ndatambura newe iwe
Ndikafunga mwana we shoroma
Ndatadza kuziva nezvandiri kuronga newe iwe ka
Ndikafunga mwana weshoroma wavapengesa
Vatadza kuziva nezvari kuronga newe iwe ka
Ndikati ndifare newe vane chizondo
Kuti nditaure newe ruvengo rwuripo
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
The song "Nzungu Ndamenya" by Leonard Dembo talks about a man who is reflecting on the troubles he has faced in life while also celebrating the good things. He talks about how his beauty and happiness have been stolen and he is left searching for a new path. Throughout the song, he emphasizes that he is looking for hope and direction through his struggles, and he is willing to push forward to find success. He mentions a woman he loves and cherishes, and how she is the one person who keeps him strong and motivated. The repetition of certain phrases throughout the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the importance of persevering in tough times.
The lyrics of the song provide a glimpse into the complexities of Zimbabwean society, where poverty, limited opportunities, and political unrest have characterized much of its recent history. Additionally, the song reflects on the struggles of individuals to find their place in society and achieve their goals despite the limitations they may face. The imagery used throughout the song also highlights the importance of perseverance, and the need to remain hopeful even during tough times.
Line by Line Meaning
Ruva rangu ratanhwa naniko
My love has drifted away and I don't know where to look for it
Ndatsvaga padavi raro ndarishaya
I'm searching for a lost treasure that I have foolishly lost
Njiva yangu yatorwa naniko
My happiness has been stolen and I don't know by whom
Ndatsvaga mudendere rayo ndaishaya
I'm searching for my peaceful sleep that I have carelessly lost
Vane chigumbu chikuru amai
They have a big appetite, mother
Vanditanhira ruva ravo ndariramba
They are devouring each other, mother, and I'm afraid
Vane chigumbu chikuru ambuya
They have a big appetite, grandmother
Vanditanhira ruva ravo handiride
They are devouring each other, grandmother, and it doesn't please me
Ndavaudza varamba amai. Ndinaye wangu nzungu muchiona ndamenya
I told the monkeys, mother. I have a white bird, but they are jealous of me
Ndavaudza varamba ambuya. Ndinaye wangu nzungu muchaona ndamenya
I told the monkeys, grandmother. I have a white bird, but they are envious of me
Wakanaka mwana weshoroma
You are beautiful, my sweet child
Ndinomuda anodiwa nevakawanda
I love you, and many others love you as well
Dai wananawo naye
If only they knew you like I do
Ndinzwewo ka mwana weshoroma
I am your true parent, my sweet child
Nhume dzangu dzawanda
My sorrows are many
Nyuchi dzisina basa dzinouya pasina maruva ka
Useless bees come and go without any purpose
Ndatambura newe iwe
I suffer with you
Ndikafunga mwana we shoroma
I think of you, my sweet child
Ndatadza kuziva nezvandiri kuronga newe iwe ka
I struggle to understand what I should do to protect you
Ndikafunga mwana weshoroma wavapengesa
I think of you, my sweet child, and they try to deceive you
Vatadza kuziva nezvari kuronga newe iwe ka
They fail to understand what they should do to protect you
Ndikati ndifare newe vane chizondo
I said I will die with you, my brave child
Kuti nditaure newe ruvengo rwuripo
So I may speak to you in the afterlife
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vafare ava
I will not let them harm you, my sweet child
Ndichatosiyana newe iwe kuti vagarike
I will not let them split us apart, my sweet child
Contributed by Makayla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sallie Waha Manguvhewa
on Chitekete
can some pls translate this song to english