In 1971, two brothers from the coastal region of Tanga, Tanzania, Wilson and George Kinyonga formed a band they would call Simba Wanyika, a Swahili for Savannah Lions. Due to unsteady economic conditions in [Tanzania] in the 70s which strained the music industry, most of the artists of that time migrated to Kenya and other neighbouring countries in search of greener environments. It's no wonder that some of these artists became citizens of those countries. During that time, travelling between the two countries was made easy by the East African community, a tripartite agreement of understanding among Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. After the collapse of the community in 1977, border crossings were made difficult, hence the eventual establishment of permanent base in Kenya by the group. With its development and growth, the band created several offshoots, but most notable was/is Les Wanyika. It's one thing for an artist to migrate in search of career betterment and quite another when a country falsely claims ownership of certain artists who belongs to another country for the sole purpose of looking good and seeking prominence. The so can be said of the song Malaika which originated in Tanzania, cartoonist Geofrey "Gado" Mwampembwa who is a Tanzanian working for the Nation Newspaper in Kenya and the overall location of the mount Kilimanjaro. The Kenyans have been very good on this profession. With Les Wanyika, new members of the group included both Tanzanians and Kenyans. The famous John Ngereza, Issa Juma and Omar Shabani were all from Tanzania, and one Tom Malanga was from Kenya. This band established a permanent base in Nairobi, playing in nightclubs and on various resorts. Most of the group members have either died or fallen victims of age toll.
In 2006, the group was reformed with a new line up
Ufukara Sio Kilema
Les Wanyika Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hatakama sio leo wala kesho eeh
Mi ni wako Mama ah
Nawe wangu sheri ih Mama
Mbona hivyo mwenzako mama Waniacha kisa nini ooh bibi eeh
Sio Nia yangu niwe Masikini, Uamuzi wake Mungu eeh Mamaa,
Ufukara ooh Bibi si Kilema sheri...
The lyrics of Les Wanyika's song "Ufukara Sio Kilema" convey a message of hope and resilience in the face of poverty and difficult circumstances. The singer expresses his belief that although times may be tough, the person he adresses will eventually overcome their current hardships. He reassures them that he is there for them, just as they are there for him. The line "Mbona hivyo mwenzako mama, Waniacha kisa nini ooh bibi eeh" suggests that someone has abandoned the person being addressed, possibly due to their impoverished state. The singer questions the reason for this abandonment, highlighting the unfairness of such a situation.
The chorus emphasizes the main message of the song: "Sio Nia yangu niwe Masikini, Uamuzi wake Mungu eeh Mamaa, Ufukara ooh Bibi si Kilema sheri..." This translates to "It is not my intention to be poor, it is God's decision, poverty, oh lady, is not a disability." Here, the lyrics aim to challenge the perception that poverty equates to weakness or inability. Instead, the song asserts that poverty is not a hindrance and that individuals can overcome it with strength and determination.
Overall, "Ufukara Sio Kilema" encourages listeners to have faith, persevere through hardship, and reject the notion that poverty defines one's worth or capabilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Naamini unaenda Utarudi ooh
I believe you are leaving but will come back, oh
Hatakama sio leo wala kesho eeh
Even if it's not today or tomorrow, oh
Mi ni wako Mama ah
I am yours, Mama, ah
Nawe wangu sheri ih Mama
And you are mine, my treasure, Mama
Mbona hivyo mwenzako mama Waniacha kisa nini ooh bibi eeh
Why did you, my companion, leave me for what reason, oh lady, oh
Sio Nia yangu niwe Masikini, Uamuzi wake Mungu eeh Mamaa
It's not my intention to be poor, it's God's decision, oh Mama
Ufukara ooh Bibi si Kilema sheri
Poverty, oh lady, is not a disability, my treasure
Writer(s): John Ngereza, Issa Juma, Omar Shabani
Contributed by Connor N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mecksonlongole6034
John Ngereza, professor Omar shaaban, Joseph Shayo, Tommy Malanga, Sijali Zuwa, Mohamed abdalah, Rashid Juma, nimewakumbuka sana hawa makamanda waliohusika na huu wimbo
@felixmagulu6142
Utunzi wa wimbo huu ni Prof.Omar au John Ngereza?
@wallacemwai2975
Respect
@athumankitiku616
@@wallacemwai2975 ...*.*...... My..........
@athumankitiku616
@@wallacemwai2975 .......
@athumankitiku616
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@JenipharJuma
Tunao sikuliza 15.2.2024. Tujuane
@bakariali5275
Mm hapa 25.2.2024 kwa mara ya tatu nasikiza hii nyimbo 😢😢😢😢 ukenipeleka mbali kimawazo na fkra
@user-ex2kr9ji9c
Reminds me of my mum every single night was not complete until we listened to this songs ,I love you mum❤❤❤❤
@TamashaRecords
This is one of the best oldies. Keep it here for the best of music from Les Wanyika plus so much more.