Ngavakudziwe
Leonard Dembo & The Barura Express Lyrics

The lyrics of Ngavakudziwe by Leonard Dembo and The Barura Express are in the Shona language, spoken in Zimbabwe. The song is a tribute to loved ones who have passed away. The opening lines, "Mwana wamambo murandakumwe, Chisiri chako chinokuvadza neshungu hama" roughly translate to "My dear friend, your absence brings me great pain." The repetition of these lines throughout the song helps to reinforce the theme of loss and grief.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Saka ngaakudziwe," which translates to "So that you should be known." This can be interpreted as a desire to keep the memory of loved ones alive so that they are not forgotten. The verses of the song pay tribute to specific individuals, their names and qualities. The line "Hembe yake chikwenyamoyo wangu" means "his/her clothes are part of my soul," which further emphasizes the closeness between the singer and the person they are honoring.

The emotional content of the song is further amplified by the impassioned singing of Leonard Dembo and the Barura Express’s harmonious vocals. The band's guitar riffs, percussion, and melodies elevate the emotional weight of the song. “Ngavakudziwe” is a poignant tribute to the memory of loved ones that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.