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.”
Wondering
Zamajobe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Zumba-yeh-yah booompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeeeeehhh
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah
What's happening to the two of us
Wondering
Where is our destiny
Wondering, wondering
Whats happening
Nothing must come between me and you
Because what we have is still brand new
Faith will see us through
Yes I believe in me and you, I really do
Anger makes me say
Things that push you away
But this is a brand new day
Don't let this lead us astray
Love will find its way, find its way
Wondering
What's happening to the two of us
Wondering
Where is our destiny
Wondering, wondering
Whats happening
Wondering
What's happening to the two of us
Wondering
Where is our destiny
Wondering, wondering
Whats happening
Every time we kiss I love you more
Every time you hold me can't ignore
Can't escape this
I just can't fight this
Will you let me know
Anger makes me say
Things that push you away
But this is a brand new day
Don't let this lead us astray
Love will find its way, find its way
Wondering
What's happening to the two of us
Wondering
Where is our destiny
Wondering, wondering
Whats happening
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah booompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeeeeehhh
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah booompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeeeeehhh
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah booompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeeeeehhh
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah
Zumba-yeh-yah booompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeeeeehhh
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Zumba-yeh-yah
The song "Wondering" by Zamajobe sings about the challenges and doubts in a relationship, as well as the power of love and faith to overcome them. She wonders what is happening to the two of them and where their destiny lies, but she also recognizes the importance of not letting anger and negativity tear them apart. She believes in the strength of their love and their ability to work through their issues to find their way back to each other. The repetition of the Zumba-yeh-yah chant provides a catchy and lively rhythm in the background, emphasizing the upbeat tone of the song despite its introspective lyrics.
Throughout the song, Zamajobe showcases her smooth singing style and emotive delivery, conveying the range of emotions her character is feeling. She sings about the beauty of the moments they share, such as when they kiss or hold each other, but also acknowledges the challenges they face when anger and doubt creep in. The song ultimately ends with a sense of hope as Zamajobe reaffirms her belief in their love and their ability to overcome any obstacles that come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Wondering
Questioning and uncertain about the current state of the relationship
What's happening to the two of us
Inquiring about the changes and issues affecting the relationship
Where is our destiny
Searching for the meaning and purpose of the relationship
Wondering, wondering
Continuously uncertain and hesitant about the relationship
Nothing must come between me and you
No obstacle or challenge should hinder the relationship
Because what we have is still brand new
The love and connection in the relationship is still fresh and recent
Faith will see us through
Believing that trust and loyalty will guide the relationship
Yes I believe in me and you, I really do
Confident in the strength and potential of the relationship
Anger makes me say
When emotional and upset, negative reactions can occur
Things that push you away
Actions or words that create distance in the relationship
But this is a brand new day
A new opportunity to move forward and improve the relationship
Don't let this lead us astray
Letting go of negativity and focusing on the future of the relationship
Love will find its way, find its way
Trusting that love will prevail and overcome challenges in the relationship
Every time we kiss I love you more
Expressing a growing love and affection in the relationship
Every time you hold me can't ignore
Feeling comfort and security in the embrace of the partner
Can't escape this
Unable to avoid or resist the strong feelings for the partner
I just can't fight this
Conceding to the depth and intensity of emotions in the relationship
Will you let me know
Asking for reassurance and affirmation of the relationship
Zumba-yeh-yah
Stock phrase in the song without a clear meaning
Zumba-yeh-yah booompa
Stock phrase in the song without a clear meaning
Zumba-yeeeeehhh
Stock phrase in the song without a clear meaning
Zumba-yeh-yah boompa
Stock phrase in the song without a clear meaning
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind