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 to me
Zamajobe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make my dreams come true
Take me to a place
Wherever it may be
'Cause only you can
Only you can
Come with me
Take it if you want
Take it if you want
It's only you there
Only you there
Love me
Everything you need I'll give
Take it if you want
You don't have to ask
It's for you only
For you only
Loving you
Makes everything right
It's magical times
If you never realised
It's with you only
With you only
Don't you know you're the one
You're the only one
Don't you know you're the one
You're the only one
Come to me
Come with me now
Don't you know you're the one
You're the only one
Don't you know you're the one
You're the only one
Come with me
Come with me
(Pada pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada) Love you only
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada) Love you only
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada) Come to me
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada) Make my dreams
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada) Love me only
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
(Peyapa pa pa pa pa pa padaba pada pada pada)
Come with me
Make my dreams
The lyrics of the song "Come To Me" by South African singer Zamajobe have a romantic theme that reflects the yearning of someone who desires to be with their loved one. The song begins with a plea for the addressee to come to the singer and make their dreams come true. The singer is seeking to escape from their present surroundings and be with the person they love, who alone has the power to take them to that place.
The second verse reinforces the idea that the person in the singer's heart is the addressee and they should take everything that is in their heart. Their love will offer everything that the addressee needs, and the singer is willing to give it to them without asking. Thus, the love being described is pure and selfless.
The chorus repeatedly appeals to the addressee to realize that they are the only one the singer needs and wants. The song's outro echoes the urgency in the singer's plea, as they repeat the phrase "Come with me, Make my dreams," allowing the listener to feel the desperation and longing in their voice.
Overall, the song portrays the singer as being deeply in love with the addressee, showing their dedication to them and their willingness to give everything in hopes of being with them. The lyrics of the song capture the essence of deep, true love that can transcend boundaries and obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Come to me
I want you to be with me
Make my dreams come true
I want you to help me realize my goals in life
Take me to a place
I want to go somewhere with you
Wherever it may be
I'm leaving the destination up to you
'Cause only you can
I trust you to take me where I need to go
Only you can
You're the only one who can take me where I want to go
Come with me
I want you by my side
All that's in my heart is you
My heart only contains thoughts of you
Take it if you want
If you want my love, I give it to you freely
Take it if you want
I won't force it on you, but it's available
It's only you there
You're the only one who matters to me
Only you there
No one else can take your place
Love me
I want your love
Everything you need I'll give
I'm willing to provide whatever you need
Take it if you want
It's yours for the taking
You don't have to ask
I'll give it willingly without being asked
It's for you only
My love and affection is reserved only for you
For you only
No one else is deserving of my love
Loving you
My love for you is life-changing
Makes everything right
My love for you is so strong that everything else seems insignificant
It's magical times
Our love is special and powerful
If you never realized
If you don't already know
It's with you only
My love is reserved for you and no one else
With you only
No one else can take your place in my heart
Don't you know you're the one
It should be obvious to you that you're the one I love
You're the only one
No one else comes close to the way I feel about you
Come to me
I want you to be with me
Come with me now
I want you to join me immediately
Come with me
I want you to be by my side
Come with me
Let's go places together
Love you only
My love is reserved only for you
Love you only
No one else comes close to the way I feel about you
Come to me
I want you to be with me
Make my dreams
Help me to achieve my goals
Love me only
My love is reserved only for you
Love you only
No one else comes close to the way I feel about you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERIC PILANI, ZAMAJOBE SITHOLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind