Simaro was born in Léopoldville, Belgian Congo, now Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on 19 March 1938.
According to Simaro, he joined Luambo Makiadi in 1961. Later Josky Kiambukuta joined them, and later still Ndombe Opetum came along. For a while, Youlou Mabiala and Madilu System played with OK Jazz, before they launched their own solo careers. For many years, Simaro served as the Vice President of the band and led the group during Franco's long trips to Europe during the 1980s. In 1974, he composed the band's hit song "Mabele" sung by Sam Mangwana, which earned him the nickname "Poet". In the late 1970s he was jailed at Makala Prison, along with Franco and other musicians, over two songs deemed obscene by the authorities. According to pundits, Lutumba is considered as one of the greatest poets, singers and philosophers of Congo music.
Discography
Simaro is credited with composing many songs for the band, including:
Likambo Zi Tu Zoto Esilkata Te - Sung by Michel Boyibanda, Josky Kiambukuta and Sam Mangwana
Oko Regretter Ngai Mama - Sung by Michel Boyibanda, Josky Kiambukuta, Wuta Mayi and Lola Checain
Bodutaka - Sung by Sam Mangwana, Michèl Boyibanda, Josky Kiambukuta and Lola Chécain
Mabele - Sung by Sam Mangwana
Eau Benite - Sung by Madilu System
Maya - Sung by Carlyto Lassa
Testament ya Bowule - Sung by Malage de Lugendo
Vaccination - Sung by Kiesse Diambu
Ebale ya Zaire - Sung by Sam Mangwana
Faute Ya Commercant - Sung by Sam Mangwana
Cedou - Sung by Sam Mangwana, Michel Boyibanda & Franco
Bisalela - Sung by Youlou Mabiala, Josky Kiambukuta, Michel Boyibanda and Wuta Mayi
Mbongo - Sung by Djo Mpoyi
Salle d'attente - Sung by Ferre Gola, Josky Kiambukuta, M'bilia Bel and Papa Wemba
Kadima - Sung by Djo Mpoyi
Following the death of Franco in 1989, Simaro met with the family of the late band leader and agreed to split revenue 70% to 30% with the family. Simarro would take care of the musicians and the family would take care of the lawyers, record labels and other technical stakeholders. However, in 1993, OKJazz split up over disagreements in the way funds were being shared. In January 1994, Simaro formed Bana OK, with the majority of the musicians from OKJazz, about thirty of them.
Simaro Massiya Lutumba died in a hospital in Paris, France, on Saturday 30 March 2019.
Maya
Simaro Massiya Lutumba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Maya mon amour
Yoka mongongo mozali kobelela yo na kati ya butu
Yoka lokole na suka ya mboka
Ozali moto, kanisa
Kasi, ata butu eyindi makasi,
tongo ekosukaka se etana
Nazali responsable na yo
Yo nde ozali coupable ya misère na ngai
Maya, ngai nakangi maboko na moto,
makambo matondi ngai motema
nakomi kotanga mikolo na misapi,
nakomi nde kobanga
Mbala ya liboso tosalaki matata,
ezalaki kaka boye
Soki nafungolaki miso te
olingaki oboya ngai
Maya ngai natii loboko na litama
Makambo matondi ngai motema
Nakomi kotanga basanza na misapi
nakomi nde kobanga
Mbala liboso okendeki Isiro ezalaki kaka boye
Soki nafutaki tike te nalanda yo
Olingaki ozonga te
Maya, namiswi lolemo,
nazoki makila masangani na soi ya monoko,
mosusu nabwaka mosusu namela
nakomi na badoute
Mbala eleki osengaki divorce ebandaki kaka boye
Soki nalandaki lolendo na yo,
ezalaki se tokabwana
Oh, Kisasa, Kisasa mboka te
Moto azali kokufa, bango bazali koseka
Moto nakei kosenga conseil
akomi nde koseka pe kotongoko ngai na pembeni
Likambo ya kokamwa
Zuzi oyo amesana koasambisa matata ya ngai na yo maya
Nzoka nde alulaka yo lisusu
Mokili compliqué
O mama namipikoli suki na moto
Sango nayoki naboyi nde kondima
Nazangi confiance na matoi na ngai moko
Nzoto ekomi somo somo
Moto aliaka na ngai sani moko lelo oyo akoma mbanda
Boni yo kanda lokola liwa
Osali zoba lokola ndoki
O mama namipikoli suki na moto
Sango nayoki naboyi nde kondima
Nazangi confiance na matoi na ngai moko
Nzoto ekomi somo somo
Moto aliaka na ngai sani moko lelo oyo akoma mbanda
Boni yo kanda lokola liwa,
Osali zoba lokola ndoki yeyeh
Maya, nakomi lokola moto baswi na nyoka
Nakomi kobanga ata moselekete ya pamba Pasi ya moninga
bakoyokaka na matoi kaka lokola lisolo
Kasi ekosala yo na motema lokola ye te
Bakabaka, badefisaka, basimbisaka,
kaka se mbongo Maya
Kasi Bokono to pasi ya bolingo,
héritier azalaka te
Maladi ya bolingo,
dokotolo azalaka te
Ekosilaka se na moto oyo apesaki yo yango
Bakendeke bongo te ata ko asiliki
abungaka nzela ya ndako te
kasi ekomi lelo ngai naluka,
toyokanaka bongo te ooh
Nalingaka toswana,
Po tomesana,
nyonso abiance ya libala
Bitumba, bazuwa na miso ya bato
Namesana kobondela yo
O nzambe
Nzambe, nazwi nde etumbu
Nakangami na motambo
Lisumu nini nasali
po nameriter etumbu ya motindo oyo
Nameki pe mbala mingi po naboya ye
Kasi nakokokaka te
Epai ko bolingo
Epai ngai pe ko moto ya maladi
Tokosuka boni?
Mokanda kutu nalingaka natindela yo, Maya
Epasuki na matanga ya motoki ya susi na yo
Maya, okomisi ngai kanda kanda na mokili
Nzambe asala eloko oyo bolingo,
Eloko oyo monyokoli
Ngai ko nalelaka libala bandeko,
Nzambe atindeli ngai elima
Ngai ko natuti libaku ya mabe,
lisuma na lavi
Likambo te, Maya bala na yo,
nazingi nde maboko
Ngai nakoluka moyen nabosana
soki pe nakokoka
Natingama lisusu nini
Nakanga se motema ee
Awa ko bobotoli ngai ye
Boremplacer ngai nani
Nakei kolela na se ya mbula
Naboyi mpinzoli etika bilembo na matama ee
Oyo nyonso foti ya mama
Aponela ngai motema
Motema ya kolinga baninga ya mokili
Tika nanyokwama boye
Vieux MASASI,
wapi BALENGE
AMISI ee
Maya, soki mokolo mosusu oloti ndoto kati ya butu
Yebaka ngai wa yo
nazali kobanza yo
Eloko esali ngai nde makanisi
Tomeseneki mingi
Mokili monuni nanu te
Tina nini bolingo na biso enuna
mama
Maya, soki moyen ezali,
senga mbanda na ngai ya sika
Mokolo yo okokumba zemi, senga ye permission
Mwana ya liboso yo okobota,
azala mwana ya mobali,
azwa kitoko na yo,
pesa ye kombo na ngai
Mokili monuni nanu te
tina nini souvenir na biso ekola
mama
Tonton Dolina, tonton Vila, Bakali
Tonton Amiso, Tonton nsuka
bino bato bolinga lisano
Epai ya Siluvangi,
epai ya LONGOMBA,
na Faubourg epai ya Teddy Kinsala
na Sexy Pop epai ya BeberNa Lukanu epayi ya Mayard
na Exodus na Bandal
Soki bomoneli ngai Maya
Boyebisa ye
Epai akei, soki mobali atungisi ye
azonga, azonga ko
Po na nini akomionyokola,
esika na ye ezali awa
Nakangi maboko nazali kozela
nazali se na esika atikaki ngai
na se ya nzete ya lidame
Nzambe asala eloko oyo bolingo,
eloko oyo monyokoli
Nzambe asala eloko yo amour,
eloko oyo misère
Nzambe asala eloko oyo koaimer,
eloko yo matata
Ngai ko nalelaka libala bandeko,
Nzambe atindeli ngai kisimbi
Nzambe asala eloko oyo bolingo, eloko oyo matata
Ayez mama ayez pitié Maya, mama
Ayez pitié
Tango ya kolala nde tango tokokanisa maye tokosala lobi Mama,
Maya tia ngai na programme ya lobi mama,
Maya kanisaka ngai mama
Butu ekomi molai ngai pongi te miso
Tongo ekomi kotana
Maya kanisaka ngai mama
Butu ekomi molai Yo na démarche ya Cameléon Maya kanisaka ngai ee mama
(E N D)
The song "Maya" by Simaro Massiya Lutumba is a love song that talks about a man's undying love for his partner, Maya. It is apparent that the love portrayed in the lyrics is intense and unwavering. The singer talks about adoring Maya and being responsible for her. He accepts the responsibility and blames himself for any misfortunes she may experience, indicating that he is committed to her completely.
The lyrics also touch on the complexity of the world and the different issues that individuals face. The line "mokili compliqué" means that the world is complicated, and the singer is urging Maya to understand this fact. He also expresses his love for her and his desire to remain with her until the end of time. However, he is also aware that their love may face different obstacles, and he asks for grace to overcome them.
Line by Line Meaning
Maya
Oh Maya my love
Yoka mongongo mozali kobelela yo na kati ya butu
Understand that you are like a flower in the middle of the desert
Yoka lokole na suka ya mboka
Wake up and rise from the land
Ozali moto, kanisa
You are a human being, my church
Nakomi lokola litanga ya mbula pembeni ya ebale, Maya
I am like a raindrop on the side of a leaf, Maya
Kasi, ata butu eyindi makasi, tongo ekosukaka se etana
But even in the desert, another strength emerges, the sun rises again
Nazali responsable na yo
I am responsible for you
Yo nde ozali coupable ya misère na ngai
You are the one guilty of my misery
Maya, ngai nakangi maboko na moto, makambo matondi ngai motema
Maya, I raise my hands to the sky, my heart speaks to me
Nakomi kotanga mikolo na misapi, nakomi nde kobanga
I give days and nights, I am the one who suffers
Mbala ya liboso tosalaki matata, ezalaki kaka boye
Yesterday we had troubles, it was just a moment
Soki nafungolaki miso te, olingaki oboya ngai
If I don't close my eyes, you want to kill me
Maya ngai natii loboko na litama
Maya, I hold your hand tight
Makambo matondi ngai motema
My heart tells me everything
Nakomi kotanga basanza na misapi
I offer gifts and treasures
Nakomi nde kobanga
I am the one who suffers
Mbala liboso okendeki Isiro ezalaki kaka boye
Yesterday we went to Isiro, it was just a moment
Soki nafutaki tike te nalanda yo
If I don't find you, I will die
Olingaki ozonga te
You don't want to come back
Maya, namiswi lolemo, nazoki makila masangani na soi ya monoko, mosusu nabwaka mosusu namela
Maya, I weep silently, carrying the burden of my sorrows, sometimes I cry, sometimes I laugh
Nakomi na badoute
I am in distress
Mbala eleki osengaki divorce ebandaki kaka boye
Yesterday it seemed like divorce was imminent, it was just a moment
Soki nalandaki lolendo na yo, ezalaki se tokabwana
If I hold onto you for a long time, it becomes difficult
Oh, Kisasa, Kisasa mboka te
Oh, Kisasa, Kisasa, the city is not at peace
Moto azali kokufa, bango bazali koseka
People are dying, others are laughing
Moto nakei kosenga conseil
I need to seek advice
Akomi nde koseka pe kotongoko ngai na pembeni
But they just laugh and mock me by their side
Likambo ya kokamwa
The problem of deception
Zuzi oyo amesana koasambisa matata ya ngai na yo maya
This game that plays with my troubles and you, Maya
Nzoka nde alulaka yo lisusu
The snake is the one who deceives you the most
Mokili compliqué
The world is complicated
O mama namipikoli suki na moto
Oh mother, you never choose the right person for me
Sango nayoki naboyi nde kondima
The sun knows that I am hurt and crying
Nazangi confiance na matoi na ngai moko
I only have trust in myself
Nzoto ekomi somo somo
My soul is heavy
Moto aliaka na ngai sani moko lelo oyo akoma mbanda
Someone calls me from far away, today he is by my side
Boni yo kanda lokola liwa
Look at yourself, pale like a ghost
Osali zoba lokola ndoki
You walk around like a witch
Maya, nakomi lokola moto baswi na nyoka
Maya, I am like a person trapped by a snake
Nakomi kobanga ata moselekete ya pamba Pasi ya moninga
I suffer even more than a child lost in the forest, abandoned by its mother
bakoyokaka na matoi kaka lokola lisolo
They laugh at me like a joke
Kasi ekosala yo na motema lokola ye te
But they don't know what is really in your heart
Bakabaka, badefisaka, basimbisaka
They mock, mock, and ridicule
kaka se mbongo Maya
Just like the foolish Maya
Kasi Bokono to pasi ya bolingo, héritier azalaka te
But the crown of love, Héritier doesn't have it
Maladi ya bolingo, dokotolo azalaka te
The illness of love, the doctor doesn't have it
Ekosilaka se na moto oyo apesaki yo yango
It settles in the person who gave it to you
Bakendeke bongo te ata ko asiliki
They don't go far, even without a plan
abungaka nzela ya ndako te
They stumble on their own path
kasi ekomi lelo ngai naluka, toyokanaka bongo te ooh
But today, I rise up, I won't fall again, oh
Nalingaka toswana, Po tomesana, nyonso abiance ya libala
I wanted to ask for peace, so we could talk, to end all the troubles of life
Bitumba, bazuwa na miso ya bato
Tears, standing in the eyes of others
Namesana kobondela yo
I wanted to come close to you
O nzambe
Oh God
Nzambe, nazwi nde etumbu
God, I know you exist
Nakangami na motambo
I am struggling with a problem
Lisumu nini nasali po nameriter etumbu ya motindo oyo
What is it that I ask for, what do I request from this world
Nameki pe mbala mingi po naboya ye
I even called out many times to ask for him
Kasi nakokokaka te
But I couldn't find him
Epai ko bolingo
To find love
Epai ngai pe ko moto ya maladi
To make me a companion of happiness
Tokosuka boni?
Can we find it?
Mokanda kutu nalingaka natindela yo, Maya
In this lonely world, I wanted to follow you, Maya
Epasuki na matanga ya motoki ya susi na yo
But I got on the train of your deceit
Maya, okomisi ngai kanda kanda na mokili
Maya, you put me in chains in this world
Nzambe asala eloko oyo bolingo, Eloko oyo monyokoli
God knows this place of love, this deceitful place
Ngai ko nalelaka libala bandeko, Nzambe atindeli ngai elima
I am waiting for you, my brothers, God will protect me
Ngai ko natuti libaku ya mabe, lisuma na lavi
I carried the burden of sadness, the darkness of life
Likambo te, Maya bala na yo, zingi nde maboko
It's not easy, Maya, look at yourself, raise your hands
Ngai nakoluka moyen nabosana soki pe nakokoka
I changed my path because I couldn't find my way
Natingama lisusu nini
I don't know what else to do
Nakanga se motema ee
I am lost in my heart
Awa ko bobotoli ngai ye
Now you have abandoned me
Boremplacer ngai nani
Replace me with someone else
Nakei kolela na se ya mbula
I am left alone in the rain
Naboyi mpinzoli etika bilembo na matama ee
I feared to sleep under the stars and the moon
Oyo nyonso foti ya mama
Everything started from my mother
Aponela ngai motema
She protected my heart
Motema ya kolinga baninga ya mokili
A heart that loves the people of the world
Tika nanyokwama boye
Don't leave me alone
Vieux MASASI, wapi BALENGE AMISI ee
Old MASASI, where are BALENGE and AMISI?
Maya, soki mokolo mosusu oloti ndoto kati ya butu
Maya, if another day comes to break the dream in the desert
Yebaka ngai wa yo
Remember me
nazali kobanza yo
I am waiting for you
Eloko esali ngai nde makanisi
That place is my only hope
Tomeseneki mingi
We have many things to discuss
Mokili monuni nanu te
This world is not for us
Tina nini bolingo na biso enuna mama
What is left of our love, mother
Maya, soki moyen ezali, senga mbanda na ngai ya sika
Maya, if there is another way, send me a sign today
Mokolo yo okokumba zemi, senga ye permission
When the day dawns, ask for permission from it
Mwana ya liboso yo okobota, azala mwana ya mobali, azwa kitoko na yo, pesa ye kombo na ngai
The child at the beginning, you will be a child of a man, born beautiful, give him my regards
Mokili monuni nanu te tina nini souvenir na biso ekola mama
This world is not for us, what memories do we have left, mother
Tonton Dolina, tonton Vila, Bakali Tonton Amiso, Tonton nsuka bino bato bolinga lisano
Uncle Dolina, Uncle Vila, Uncle Bakali, Uncle Amiso, Uncle Nsuka, all people love each other
Epai ya Siluvangi, epai ya LONGOMBA, na Faubourg epai ya Teddy Kinsala na Sexy Pop epai ya BeberNa Lukanu epayi ya Mayard na Exodus na Bandal
In Siluvangi we have Uncle LONGOMBA, in Faubourg we have Uncle Teddy Kinsala, in Sexy Pop we have Uncle Beber, in Lukanu we have Uncle Mayard, and in Exodus we have Uncle Bandal
Soki bomoneli ngai Maya Boyebisa ye
If you find Maya, let her know
Epai akei, soki mobali atungisi ye azonga, azonga ko
If a man holds her, let him go, let him go
Po na nini akomionyokola, esika na ye ezali awa
For what reason would he want to hold her, her place is here
Nakangi maboko nazali kozela
I raise my hands to the sky
nazali se na esika atikaki ngai na se ya nzete ya lidame
I am here, waiting for the one who will take me from this place of suffering
Nzambe asala eloko oyo bolingo, Eloko oyo monyokoli
God knows this place of love, this deceitful place
Nzambe asala eloko yo amour, eloko oyo misère
God knows this place of love, this place of misery
Nzambe asala eloko oyo koaimer, eloko yo matata
God knows this place of love, this place of trouble
Ngai ko nalelaka libala bandeko, Nzambe atindeli ngai kisimbi
I am waiting for you, my brothers, God will protect me with a shield
Nzambe asala eloko oyo bolingo, eloko oyo matata
God knows this place of love, this place of trouble
Ayez mama ayez pitié Maya, mama
Have mercy on me, Maya, oh mother
Ayez pitié
Have mercy
Tango ya kolala nde tango tokokanisa maye tokosala lobi Mama
The time to sleep is the time we become one, let's leave everything to fate, Mama
Maya tia ngai na programme ya lobi mama
Maya, guide me in the program of love, Mama
Maya kanisaka ngai mama
Maya, illuminate me, Mama
Butu ekomi molai ngai pongi te miso
Darkness becomes my companion, I can't close my eyes
Tongo ekomi kotana Maya kanisaka ngai mama
The night becomes united, Maya, illuminate me, Mama
Butu ekomi molai Yo na démarche ya Cameléon Maya kanisaka ngai ee mama
Darkness becomes my companion, with the steps of a chameleon, Maya, illuminate me, Mama
(E N D)
(End)
Contributed by Jayce C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@fredrickkassilly3142
One Of The Songs That Introduced Me To University Life In The Late 80s. Real Music!! Fond Memories. RIP Simaro
@ruthimo9463
🎉
@bensonotieno4928
Simaro was indeed a poet. His compositions are out of this world. I can compare him to our very own D.O Misiani.
@LaurelinTheOther
alikuwa le poète mkuu wa kongo
@ndoreremoise6053
Chanson nostalgique et inoubliable paix à son âme.quel musicien va renaître la musique congolais qui a perdu sa Saveur,valeur,difficile à comprendre mes frères.nous avons piraté notre lumba oooh la belle époque de Maya
@bookerbookers3187
Maya... even if the night is very dark ...the day ends up being seen....a great song by Lutumba
@bethwanjira695
nothing can compare to this mans golden voice. I call it music that speaks to the soul.
@aliceibate8581
Je ne cesserai jamais d'écouter cette chanson parmi mes meilleurs de la liste je me rappelle des tas de souvenirs Ah!Zaïre mon beau pays avec toutes diversités dont la musique merci mon Dieu pour être née Zaïroise
@lazarussepuru428
Lutumba's music forms part of my soul therapy! I love Congolese music!!
@stevevt
Nous avons nommé notre fille Maya, en 1995, en partie à cause de cette belle chanson - magnifique.