Embark on a vibrant journey to the heart of Zambia with our latest musical release, “Tuleya ku Maliketi” (We Are Going to the Market). This lively song invites listeners to experience the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Zambian market, highlighting the rich tapestry of Bemba culture.
Through engaging lyrics and rhythmic melodies, “Tuleya ku Maliketi” introduces you to everyday interactions and local delicacies, such as sweet potatoes, vegetables, and mushrooms. The song serves as both an entertaining piece and an educational tool, offering insights into the Bemba language and the communal spirit of Zambian marketplaces.
Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply in search of a catchy tune, “Tuleya ku Maliketi” provides a delightful glimpse into the vibrant life of Zambia. Join us in celebrating this musical journey and immerse yourself in the sounds and stories of the Zambian market.
LYRICS
Tuleya ku Maliketi (We are Going to the Market)
(Chorus)
Lelo tuleya ku maliketi! (Today we are going to the market)
Tuleya shita ifyumbu, umusalu no bowa(We’re going to buy sweet potatoes, vegetables and mushrooms)
Ndesenda umuseke (I will carry a basket)
Ne ndalama (and money)
(Verse 1)
Natuleya kwana Kadoli (Let’s go to Nakadoli’s)
Tuyeshita ifyakulya (We’ll go and buy food)
Twise twipike (We’ll come and cook)
Pa mulilo (On the fire)
(Chorus)
Lelo tuleya ku maliketi! (Today we are going to the market)
Tuleya shita ifyumbu, umusalu no bowa(We’re going to buy sweet potatoes, vegetables and mushrooms)
Ndesenda umuseke (I will carry a basket)
Nama Kwacha (and Kwacha)
(Verse 2)
Mwapoleni mukwai (Hello)
Nishinga ifyumbu?(How much are the sweet potatoes?)
Ni two Kwacha (They’re Two Kwacha)
Nalashita ifi ifyumbu (I will buy these sweet potatoes)
(Chorus)
Lelo tuleya ku maliketi! (Today we are going to the market)
Tuleya shita ifyumbu, umusalu no bowa(We’re going to buy sweet potatoes, vegetables and mushrooms)
Ndesenda umuseke (I will carry a basket)
Ne ndalama (and money)
(Verse 3)
Umusalu ni shinga? (How much are the vegetables?)
Umusalu ni one Kwacha (The vegetables are One Kwacha)
Ngo bowa nishinga? (And how much are the mushrooms?)
Ubowa nabo ni One Kwacha(The mushrooms are also One Kwacha)
(Chorus)
Lelo tuleya ku maliketi! (Today we are going to the market)
Tuleya shita ifyumbu, umusalu no bowa(We’re going to buy sweet potatoes, vegetables and mushrooms)
Ndesenda Basketi (I will carry a basket)
Nama Kwacha (and Kwacha)
_________________________
VOCABULARY LIST
Here is a list of Bemba words and phrases from the song “Tuleya ku Maliketi” (“We are Going to the Market”), along with their English translations:
| Bemba Word/Phrase | English Translation |
| Lelo | Today |
| Tuleya | We are going |
| Ku maliketi | To the market |
| Shita | Buy |
| Ifyumbu | Sweet potatoes |
| Umusalu | Vegetables |
| No bowa | And mushrooms |
| Ndesenda | I will carry |
| Umuseke | Basket |
| Ne ndalama | And money |
| Natuleya | Let’s go |
| Kwana Kadoli | Nakadoli’s (a specific market) |
| Tuyeshita | We’ll go and buy |
| Ifyakulya | Food |
| Twise | We’ll come |
| Twipike | We’ll cook |
| Pa mulilo | On the fire |
| Mwapoleni mukwai | Hello |
| Nishinga | How much |
| Ni two(Tu) Kwacha | They are two Kwacha |
| Nalashita | I will buy |
| Ifi ifyumbu | These sweet potatoes |
| Umusalu ni one(wanu) Kwacha | The vegetables are one Kwacha |
| Ngo bowa nishinga | And how much are the mushrooms? |
| Ubowa nabo ni one(wanu) Kwacha | The mushrooms are also one Kwacha |
| Nama Kwacha | And Kwacha |
