Mtukudzi released his debut single, "Stop After Orange," in 1975. Two years later, he began performing with the Wagon Wheels, a group who also featured Thomas Mapfumo. By 1979, he had left to pursue a solo career. Taking several of the band's musicians with him, he formed a new group, the Black Spirits. Their debut single, "Dzandimomotera," sold enough copies to qualify for gold record status. As a solo artist, Mtukudzi had his first successes shortly after Zimbabwe declared its independence in 1980. His debut solo album, Africa, included two hits: "Zimbabwe" and "Mazongonyedze." Mtukudzi has consistently balanced his musical career with his passion for film and drama. In addition to appearing in several documentaries on Zimbabwean music, including the BBC-produced Under African Skies and The Soul of the Mbira, he starred in Jit, the first film featuring an all-Zimbabwean cast. He also played a prominent role in, as well as composed and arranged the soundtrack for, Zimbabwe's second film, Neria. His work earned him a M'Net award for Best Soundtrack of 1992. Mtukudzi subsequently wrote and directed the musical production Was My Child (Plight of Street Children). With the accompaniment of the Black Spirits or the 12-piece supergroup Mahube, Mtukuduzi continued to tour and record.
The album Mahube was released in October 1998. The album Tuku Music, spent 11 weeks at the top of the CMJ New World Music charts. After the album's release, Mutukudzi toured the United States and Canada, along with Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate and Baaba Maal, as part of Africa Fête 1999. The album Paivepo reached the top position on Zimbabwe's music charts the first week after its release in November 1999.
Chiro Chakanaka
Oliver Mtukudzi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
One more time
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Dai ndiri mambo ini, ndaigara ndichifunga zvangu
Ndaigara ndichinyemwerera nguva dzangu dzose
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Dai ndiri mambo ini, ndaigara ndichifunga zvangu
Ndaigara ndichinyemwerera nguva dzangu dzose
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
The lyrics of "Chiro Chakanaka" by Oliver Mtukudzi are primarily in Shona, a language spoken in Zimbabwe. The song opens with the repeated phrase "Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka" which roughly translates to "blessings, this is a good thing." The song then continues with the singer expressing his thoughts and feelings about being a king, saying "Dai ndiri mambo ini, ndaigara ndichifunga zvangu, ndaigara ndichinyemwerera nguva dzangu dzose" ("If I were king, I would sit and think, and I would sit and contemplate all my days").
The song is a celebration of the good things in life and the blessings that come with being grateful for them. The phrase "Chiro Chakanaka" is repeated throughout the song and represents the idea that good things come to those who appreciate them. The lyrics suggest that the singer is expressing a desire for a better life, but also acknowledges that there is beauty in the simplicity of life.
"Chiro Chakanaka" was released in 1999 and quickly became one of Oliver Mtukudzi's most popular songs. It has been covered by many other artists and remains a beloved anthem in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Line by Line Meaning
Hu-, humambo, hu-, humambo, huma-, humambo chiro chakanaka
Celebrating the greatness and beauty of life
One more time
Once again, acknowledging and appreciating the beauty of life
Dai ndiri mambo ini, ndaigara ndichifunga zvangu
If I were a king, I would always reflect on my life
Ndaigara ndichinyemwerera nguva dzangu dzose
I would always cherish every moment of my life
Writer(s): Oliver Dairai Mtukudzi
Contributed by Alex S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Honour Mwabaya
on Wongororo
This translation is not true. If this is true then there are more than one versions of Shona.
Si'mon Nyadundu
on Kucheneka
My mentor Dr Oliver
Kym Dym
on Wenge Mambo
Wrong and totally wrong .. l think the song emphasizes about the evil doers varoyi who will stoop low as to wanting yu dead .. yu give them money they will refuse all they want is to see yu de*d
Oliver fan
on Tozeza
The overall meaning summarised by this article author strips the meaning away, i mean really, to say it is a tribute to fathers to come together, really now....
Olivia E Boyd
on Ndakuyambira
This is so excellent, I have searched for the true meanings in many of Oliver's songs for a decade and a half. Thank you so very much for these insights, translative facts, and linguistic breakdowns. It goes to very important purposes, not only my own information. I appreciate it very much.
Saxton
on Ziwere
I’m Shona and these lyrics are totally wrong. This song has no reference to intimacy. Tiki never sang along those lines
MuLUMICHIMPI MUYANDA
on Raki
you miss leading people about the meaning of the song raki..... Oliver was wandering how lucky some are and where luck comes from and who gives luck basically... not about the traditional beer no no!
Masibae Shumbaress
on Nyanga Yenzou (Munoshusha)
Lol the person who translated this is definitely not native. FYI Zim used to use English money (ma Pondo) pounds prior to independence. Basically the singer (a son-in-law) who paid bride price in full is complaining that his Father-in-law (tezvara) keeps trying to extort him (Nyanga ye nzou and chipembere, elephant tusk and rhino horn respectively are illegal so how can the son-in-law meet the unreasonable demands?)
Ransom M
on Mbiri hurimbo
I'm afraid the translation is off by quite a margin. This song is about being famous and the consequences of fame. He basically implies that if he had known the consequences of being famous he might not have pursued the career he pursued. He speaks of how God gave some talents or gifts that allow them to enjoy success peacefully. He likens fame to "hurimbo", a sticky substance used to trap birds. He also, in the first verse uses the metaphor of an owl, saying "If I'd recognized an owl while it was still a chick, I would have said 'No way', because rearing it has consequences." Owls are viewed as bad omens, creatures used in witchcraft, bad luck like a black cat. So yeah, the translation is way off.
Ransom M
on Mbiri hurimbo
Fame is a trap