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.
Kunze Kwadoka
Oliver Mtukudzi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nai mwana wanga unani uripi
Nai mwana wanga uripi unani
Nai mwana wanga unani uripi
Perekedza mwana aha
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Perekedza mwana perekedza mwana iwe
Perekedza mwana sikana perekedza sheri iyo
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Nai mwana wanga uripi unani
Nai mwana wanga unani uripi
Nai mwana wanga uripi unani
Nai mwana wanga unani uripi
Perekedza mwana perekedza mwana iwe
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Perekedza mwana sikana perekedza baby iro
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Mai vanoti mwana wangu wanga uripi ko
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Mai vanoti mwana wangu wanga unani ko
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Perekedza mwana perekedza mwana iwe
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
Perekedza mwana sikana perekedza mwana uyu
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
The lyrics to Oliver Mtukudzi's "Kunze Kwadoka" describe a father's concern for his child and his efforts to guide them through life's challenges. The repetitive questioning of "Nai mwana wanga uripi unani/Nai mwana wanga unani uripi" ("Where are you, my child?/Where are you, my child?") expresses his worry and longing for his child's safety and well-being. The father urges the child to persevere through difficult times and to seek guidance when necessary by repeating "Perekedza mwana" ("Hold on, child") and emphasizing the importance of family and community support.
The phrase "kunze kwadoka" translates to "towards the end" or "close to the finish line." This phrase is repeated throughout the song, adding a sense of urgency and motivation for the child to keep going despite any obstacles they may face. The song is ultimately a message of love and support from a parent to their child, reminding them that they are never alone and that they have the strength to overcome any challenge.
Line by Line Meaning
Nai mwana wanga uripi unani
Where are you, my child?
Nai mwana wanga unani uripi
Where are you, my child?
Perekedza mwana aha
Pay attention, child
Zuva ravira (kundze kwadoka)
The day is ending (it's getting dark)
Perekedza mwana perekedza mwana iwe
Pay attention, child
Perekedza mwana sikana perekedza sheri iyo
Pay attention, son, stop chasing after that girl
Perekedza mwana sikana perekedza baby iro
Pay attention, son, stop chasing after that baby (girl)
Mai vanoti mwana wangu wanga uripi ko
My wife is asking where our child is
Mai vanoti mwana wangu wanga unani ko
My wife is asking where our child is
Perekedza mwana sikana perekedza mwana uyu
Pay attention, son, pay attention to this child
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@munashenyajeka5479
Kunze Kwadoka means it's now dusk. So in this song he's advising a guy to escort his girlfriend home coz the mother is worried about her daughter's whereabouts. That's the afro girl drinking and smoking in the bar right there, and she's dancing with that dreadlocked guy.
Perekedza mwana (Escort the girl)
Zuva ravira (The sun has set)
Kunze Kwadoka (It's now dusk outside).
Nhai mwana wanga unani, uripi (My child, who were you with, and where?)
Nhai mwana wanga uripi , unani (My child, where were you, with who?)
That's the simple translation of the song.
@astrosanhasstan8035
It used to be Dad's morning song everyday. I listened to it accidentally two days ago and it made me tear up. Continue resting in peace Dad. I miss you and will always miss you😢😢
@rootsmelaninplus8565
First view from Cameroon 🇨🇲..African culture the best.
@Everything-Emkay
I’m South African in Johannesburg I don’t understand the lyrics but I love him. Growing up my grandpa in his car he would play his music jamming in mpumalanga I miss these days
@user-br3pr5fv4t
❤❤😢😢This songs reminds me of late twin brother who left me early age... In 2017...we love... All music of Oliver was the best to us
@kimberleyndhlovu2805
This song reminds me of my mom and dad,, continue resting in peace😢😢
@bivar8929
Amém
@kuldrajob801
Watching from Nairobi 🔥🔥🔥🔥
It's been long since I last heard this long. Thank you for sharing
@happymumba2261
Although I'm a Malawian but I love thise songs
@pendomayeka588
Lol taka perekedza muchato waMukoma with this song was lit still is 🎉
@merviskhongonyowa5621
Continue resting in peace Mom and Dad, I still see Mom dancing on the living room to this song