Roots  
Zakwe Lyrics

Before Nelson Mandela was on money
Prior to Nelson Mandela being depicted on currency, I was generating substantial wealth, to the point where folding leopard banknotes seemed like the art of origami.

Wild life lessons, every death gave me life
Through experiencing the deaths of others, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for life and its lessons.

Still-born, so me and Christ share a likeness
Due to the unfortunate circumstance of being born lifeless, I can relate to Jesus Christ as both of us have experienced a symbolic death.

None like him, no Siamese, it's all timing
There is no one similar to me, as I am unique in my own right. Comparisons to others are irrelevant since success is merely a matter of timing.

You can push, hope it come out live, but this ain't the gynae
You may exert pressure and anticipate a favorable outcome, but this situation is not as predictable as an expectant mother going into labor.

Zakwe hit me like 'Let's talk about the rhyming'
Zakwe approached me with the suggestion of discussing the art of rhyming in our music.

Couldn't find the heart to tell him 'that's not my vibe scene'
I struggled to be honest with him, as I didn't possess the courage to admit that his preferred style of rhyming wasn't aligned with my own artistic vision.

Not when the world need a Marley
Especially at a time when the world requires someone who embodies the spirit and messages of Bob Marley.

And Bob's your uncle but you worry about your country
While the saying 'Bob's your uncle' implies a favorable outcome, it is disheartening to witness your concern being solely focused on your own country rather than the world at large.

I don't take molly, I take lil' rocksy and my daughter
Instead of consuming the drug called 'molly,' I prioritize spending quality time with my daughter, accompanied by the soothing effect of listening to music.

Out to get chiffon dresses from the shopping complex
We venture out to the shopping complex to purchase chiffon dresses, aiming to provide my daughter with elegant and fashionable attire.

And I'm not trying to shop a complex
I have no intention of indulging in needless emotional or psychological complications, as my focus lies on simplicity and clarity.

I put my shit in the music so you can find strength
I express my personal struggles and experiences through my music, allowing listeners to draw inspiration and find strength within themselves.

It's a lil' project I built from the onset
My music is a small-scale endeavor that I have constructed from its very beginning, gradually shaping it into what it is today.

Ordinary people baptized now that's a John Legend
Through my music, I aim to uplift and empower ordinary individuals, essentially offering them a transformative experience similar to what John Legend's music provides.

Born in Tanzania, that seems far-fetched
Originating from Tanzania may appear implausible or unlikely, given the situation and context.

But none of you know the world that's in my closet
None of you are familiar with the secrets and experiences that I keep hidden within the depths of my personal life.

I make lines speak to the heart of the darkness
My lyrics possess the power to resonate with the deepest, most complex emotions and struggles that individuals face.

Everything hidden unless you listening with your conscience
One can only uncover the concealed messages within my music by actively engaging and listening with a heightened sense of consciousness.

It's taking revisiting lyrics to feel the content
In order to truly understand and appreciate the substance and depth of my lyrics, repeated examination and analysis is required.

German precision sniffers is ill-equipped for this bomb threat
Individuals who possess a meticulous and analytical approach to analyzing music are ill-prepared and inadequate when confronted with the explosive impact of my artistic expression.

If she could get too thick for Shawshank
If a woman's physical appearance were to become excessively curvaceous, resembling the character Andy Dufresne's escape route in the film 'Shawshank Redemption'.

Don't bank on lip if you can't swim or walk it
Do not rely solely on empty promises or smooth talk if you lack the ability or determination to back it up with action.

Didn't got the whisky on the armrest
I do not possess a bottle of whisky stored conveniently on the armrest of my seat or as a symbol of indulgence.

Puffing something stinky from the tropics
Engaging in the act of smoking a particularly potent substance originating from tropical regions.

With a face like brake lights
Possessing a facial expression resembling the illuminated red lights of a car's brake system, indicating a halt or pause in one's emotions or thoughts.

Eish son you can miss me with the nonsense
My son, I have no interest or tolerance for trivial or frivolous matters.

About that time I'ma get that money
It is about time that I focus on acquiring wealth and financial stability.

I made mistakes, but I'm make more hunninds
Although I have previously made errors, I am determined to continue making money, learning from my past experiences.

'Cause now I found the roots to my sanity
Because I have discovered the fundamental source of my mental stability and well-being.

Shades from my money tree, Hip Hop my daily bread
My wealth provides me with a sense of protection and comfort, symbolized by the shades provided by a money tree. Additionally, Hip Hop music is my constant source of inspiration and sustenance.

All black coupe can't see nobody
Driving in an entirely black coupe, attracting no attention or recognition from others.

If you ain't know, better ask somebody
If you are unaware or uninformed about my status or achievements, it is advisable to seek information from someone knowledgeable.

Glory for the pain in the booth for the new look
Paying homage and giving recognition to the strength and resilience displayed during creative and emotional performances in the recording booth, which contributes to a fresh and revamped appearance.

Nothing's been the same since fame, Haleluyah
Ever since achieving fame and recognition, my life has transformed significantly, warranting a grateful and celebratory exclamation of 'Haleluyah.'

See times and people change but numbers don't
Although times and individuals may undergo transformations, numerical figures and statistics remain steadfast and consistent.

It's real, Ng' overdose-a le skill, the weak I'm over those
This reality is authentic, as I am excessively skilled and talented. I have surpassed and moved beyond those who lack strength or proficiency.

We made dough without flour ekasi, it's where I rose
We generated wealth and success without conventional means, particularly without the need for financial resources. This was accomplished in the township, which is where I originated and flourished.

Ng'phuz' uTugela ne tap water that's how I switch flows
I consume water from the Tugela River and everyday tap water, metaphorically representing my ability to effortlessly transition and change my artistic flows.

I've been down for the streets, and now it picks me up
Having experienced hardships and challenges in the urban environment, I now find solace and support from the very streets that initially brought me down.

(I spit!) Straight from the dome, see now they wanna fill me up
I effortlessly and spontaneously deliver rhymes from my mind, and as a result, others are now eager to absorb and appreciate my lyrical prowess.

The time is up for you niggas if you ain't down with us
If you are not aligned or supportive of us, your time and relevance are coming to an end.

I'm moving clockwise, mang'fun' is'gubhu ng'yam' clock-a u-Wise
I am progressing in a clockwise direction, while simultaneously challenging and surpassing the traditional notion of time as represented by the clock. Wise individuals understand my approach.

They recognize I'm a pops now with a gorgeous wife
They acknowledge and acknowledge that I have become a father figure, accompanied by a stunningly beautiful wife.

I know my son is gon' shine, I bet that on my daughter's life
I am confident that my son will achieve great success and shine brightly, so much so that I am willing to stake my daughter's life on it.

I bought cars from songs I wrote while I was walking by
I have acquired cars through the financial gains resulting from songs I penned while casually strolling or passing by.

Player, never ang'phuphi, I sleep it now with an open eye
I have no intention of playing games or being deceitful, as I stay attentive and vigilant even while resting.

I'skhath' as'mile baba, we gotta do better in rap
Time is running out, my brother, and we must strive to improve and elevate the rap genre.

Second you every second you take the first step, ha
I will support and follow you just as you take the initial step towards progress and success.

You Father Christmas niggas, set on the first lap
You individuals are like Santa Claus, only concerned with the early stages of the race or journey.

Now I'ma run tings, my niggas first on that last lap
I will now take charge and lead the way, with my friends being the first to cross the finish line on the final lap.

I take a stand mang'tshela lez' ez' oblivious
I firmly assert myself by pointing out these oblivious and ignorant individuals before us.

I-straadi k'mele bas'funde k'thina, we got that Syllabus
The street is our classroom, where individuals learn from us. We possess the curriculum or syllabus for success.

We bypass those who are biased mas' release-a
We surpass those who are prejudiced or biased against us, while simultaneously releasing new music.

You don't buy us bring the pliers
If you refuse to acknowledge our worth or potential, then you must be prepared to face the consequences.

Negative mind is easy to minus
A negative mindset can easily be subtracted or diminished.

Division of labour must now multiply
The concept of dividing tasks or responsibilities among individuals must now be expanded upon and multiplied in order to achieve greater results.

You see they add a lot of problems when they minus-ing us
As they attempt to subtract or diminish us, they inadvertently introduce additional complications and issues.

They must, do the math from the previous lines
They must engage in calculations or analysis based on the preceding lyrics and messages.

Selling gold was contagious, now I got that midas touch, that's right
The act of selling gold was highly influential and infectious, resulting in my acquisition of the 'midas touch,' symbolizing my ability to turn everything I touch into success.

We survive when they told us we're never winning in this
Despite being told that we would never succeed in this industry, we have managed to survive and overcome the odds.

Patience on my timeframe till I could picture this, ha
I exercised patience according to my own timeline, waiting until I could envision or visualize this current state of achievement and success.

Y'all still drink ciders and pee 'em like evenings
While you individuals continue to drink low-alcohol beverages and subsequently urinate them out, treating them lightly or nonchalantly like ordinary evenings.

With that much flow, I could beat the odds when I even things
Possessing an exceptional level of musical ability, I have the power to defy the odds and emerge triumphant in any given situation.

And be the voice of the illest
To become the representation and advocate for those who are critically ill or suffering.

Shit, I can flow so the industry put my thoughts on a jiggy beat
I possess incredible lyrical flow, which has led the music industry to align my thoughts and words with catchy and infectious beats.

Either or, I'm a lyricist
Regardless of the musical style or genre, I remain a skilled and talented writer of lyrics.

I'm a boss, I'm a genius
I am not only a leader or authority figure, but also possess a remarkable level of intelligence or creative genius.

I was born with this eagerness
I have possessed this burning desire and eagerness since birth, driving my pursuits and ambitions.

Get applause and the millions, 'till I'm gone they be feeling this
Expect to receive applause and accumulate millions of fans and supporters, as my impact and influence will continue to resonate even after my departure from this world.

Glory for the pain in the booth for the new look
Acknowledgment and admiration for the emotional suffering endured during creative sessions in the recording booth, resulting in a fresh and transformative outcome.

Nothing's been the same since fame, Haleluyah
Ever since achieving fame and recognition, my life has undergone significant changes, prompting a grateful and celebratory exclamation of 'Haleluyah.'