Zamajobe received four nominations for SAMA 2005 in the categories; BEST NEWCOMER, BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM, BEST JOINT COMPOSITION (together with Erik Pilani), and BEST ENGINEER (Robin Kohl/Jazzworx) for the album NDAWO YAMI.
First up is her astonishingly beautiful voice, which captivates with ease, and leaves listeners smitten in its powerful wake. Zamajobe has never been one for the strident, at times overbearing vocals beloved by so many of today’s stars: as NDAWO YAMI more than reveals, Zamajobe uses her voice at times sparingly, often with a slightly breathless edge, and always plump with just enough emotion to talk directly into the heart of anyone in hearing range.
Next is Zamajobe’s performing ability and her ability to dominate a stage with the ease of an individual born to entertain. Her way with a song on a live stage was first evident on 2003’s Idols contest where the singer made it into the Top 10 and, during her performances, earned a devoted network of fans drawn to Zamajobe’s magic.
And then there is Zamajobe’s song writing gift, which is on excellent display throughout the album. In many ways, it’s this that she’s most elated about:
“I have been singing and performing for years now,” she says, “but I’ve never been able to showcase my song writing ability before now which makes the album such an important project in my life.”
Recorded at the Jazzworx Studio in Randburg, Gauteng, Zama’s debut release draws together her singing, performing and song writing gifts into one immensely lovable package that will find a place with an ever-expanding base of quality music lovers throughout the country who will respond with enthusiasm to Zamajobe’s astonishingly sophisticated sound that yet always remains grounded in African soil.
Zamajobe is driven to create original music that is a true reflection of who she is and where she is at – it is a process of constant evolution and NDAWO YAMI is an invitation to explore just that.
Zama cites renowned performer and preacher, Pastor Benjamin Dube as a significant influence on her move into music.
“I joined Pastor Benjamin’s church when I was eight and it wasn’t long after that, that I sang for the Church and Pastor Benjamin asked me to join the choir, where I remained for a long time.”
In Vosloorsrus at the time, undoubtedly, through her involvement in the Church as well as her mother’s love for the genre, Gospel music has exerted a powerful influence on Zama (heard in the most subtle ways on her debut) – and as a teenager there were other forms of music that crept into her life.
“My Dad was very open to all forms of music and so I grew up listening to funk, and jazz and many others.”
Zama says it “took guts” to enter Idols. “I never thought I would win but just entering took a great deal of guts! And even though I didn’t take the first spot, it gave me the platform to be noticed.”
Indeed. Idols judge Dave Thompson, Marketing and A&R Director of BMG Africa noticed Zama’s talent, early on – and gave her the chance to spend several months working in the BMG Demo Studios, laying down the guitar and vocals of the original songs now included on her debut release. Zama says she’s grateful for the opportunity to hone her song writing skills: “I thought that I could write before going into the demo studio and then going into Jazzworx,” she says. “But the months of working on the songs, crafting them into real things whilst in studio, has allowed me to really grow.”
Working with Zama on her album is another newcomer to the South African scene, guitarist Eric Pilani whose obvious gift for his instrument of choice adds immeasurably to NDAWO YAMI, providing the thread that joins all 12-tracks together.
“I would sing something to Eric and he would transfer it to the guitar, and we would expand the song from there. Even though I have been playing the guitar for a few years, having Eric, who is so experienced, as my collaborator, meant the process just flowed and I think we have come up with songs that people will love.”
With Erik Pilani producing with the assistance of the Jazzworx team, and Zama’s creative input, the album is fresh and engaging - moving expertly between a broad swathe of genres - jazz, folk, traditional, Latino even, pop and, in moments, adult contemporary. The songs are diverse with the likes of “Ye Wena Sani” (a township-lingo driven, rootsy piece) sitting comfortably alongside “Wondering”, featuring gentle guitar work and breathy vocals.
And these are just some of the most captivating tracks on an album that is never short on musical magic. “Ndawo Yami” is another exquisite offering: a track that showcases Zama’s highly evocative voice, gently moving across a musical bed that gradually adds layer after layer of instrumentation to create a song of pure beauty. “Come With Me” is yet another song that benefits from a restrained production hand, always allowing Zama’s lyrics to pull the listener in, again and again, on the wings of the artist’s delicately restrained voice.
But NDAWO YAMI also benefits from a variety of musical moods. “Taxi Ride” is underpinned by a Latino bedrock that moves Zama’s voice into different territory; a place where it’s upbeat and rhythmical in a way that adds a bold new dimension to the song. “African Girl” is similarly uplifting, flowing with ease in song that pays positive homage to African girls throughout the continent, in all their beauty and intelligence.
“Nothing compares to this experience,” Zama says of creating NDAWO YAMI. “I’ve been singing for Pastor Benjamin for a long time and even provided vocals for a group that Eric had, performing at Kilimanjaro in Joburg and other places, and there was the whole Idols experience. But crafting an album that speaks totally of who I am is just such a joy that I truly hope everyone out there is going to feel it as much as I do.”
Come With Me
Zamajobe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How I felt when I first saw you
How the feeling was soooo right
How I wanted you to come with me
I remember
Your perfect smile, I remember
The perfect night, I remember
That is one unforgettable night
The memory still seems like it's yesterday
What I was feeling inside
How I wanted you to come with me
Come with me
I remember
How I felt when I first saw you
How the feeling was soooo right
How I wanted you to come with me
I remember
Your perfect smile, I remember
The perfect night, I remember
How I wanted you to come with me
That is one unforgettable night
The memory still seems like it's yesterday
And What I was feeling inside
And How I wanted you to come with me
Come with me
And that is one unforgettable night
The memory still seems like it was yesterday
And what I was feeling inside
How I wanted you to come with me, toooo dooo come with me
Come and runaway with me, come and runaway with me
Shalalalah come yeah yeah yeah come with me
In Zamajobe's song Come With Me, the lyrics reveal the singer's feelings towards a significant other. The song is reminiscent of a past encounter as the artist talks about how they felt when they first saw the person to whom they are singing. The artist recalls the emotions they felt on that perfect night, describing the memory as unforgettable, with the recollection feeling like it happened yesterday. The artist expresses their desire for this special person to come with them, to run away with them, and to escape into a world of love and freedom. The song's melody perfectly complements the lyrics, making it an instant classic.
The lyrics in the song highlight the importance of a special moment with a loved one. Zamajobe seems to express the feeling of wanting to spend an endless summer night with someone special; a feeling of wanting to escape life and live in the moment. The song evokes the feeling of nostalgia and is an anthem for anyone who is in love, wanting to feel that perfect moment again.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember
Recalling back to a specific moment
How I felt when I first saw you
Expressing the initial emotions from seeing someone for the first time
How the feeling was soooo right
Describing a sense of harmony and being in sync
How I wanted you to come with me
Expressing a desire for someone to join and accompany the singer
Your perfect smile, I remember
Recalling a specific detail about the person
The perfect night, I remember
Recalling a particular event that was enjoyable
That is one unforgettable night
Highlighting the significance of the past event
The memory still seems like it's yesterday
Expressing the lasting impression of the moment
What I was feeling inside
Identifying the singer's internal state at the time
And How I wanted you to come with me
Reiterating the desire to be accompanied by the person
Come with me
The recurring request for the person to join the singer
And that is one unforgettable night
Restating the importance of the past event
And what I was feeling inside
Reiterating the singer's internal state at the time
How I wanted you to come with me, toooo dooo come with me
Further emphasis on the desire for the person to join the singer
Come and runaway with me, come and runaway with me
Calling for the person to escape and accompany the singer on an adventure
Shalalalah come yeah yeah yeah come with me
A catchy vocalization of the invitation for the person to come with the singer
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind