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Zambian Music Lyrics

If you are a music lover like me, you will have a lot of songs you love without understanding a single word in them. KitweOnLine offers this page as a way of Zambians helping to deepen and broaden the experience of Zambian music lovers worldwide.

You can submit your translation of the lyrics of Zambian songs into another language. This can be from Lozi into Nyanja, Kaonde into English or any combination of languages. You don’t have to know all the lyrics. The idea is to share, and other readers can fill in the gaps for you. Just put dots where you are not sure.

If there’s a song you would love to know the lyrics, submit your request below, and the Zambian community will pool together to supply the lyrics.

Are you a musician? We want to hear from you. Send in the lyrics to your songs and help your audience appreciate the full depth of your offerings. Please supply the title and artist if possible.

Are you a music promoter, you can supply your contact details here so that readers know where to buy the music from.

If you spot any mistakes in the lyrics submitted here, please feel free to drop us a line with your correction. Feel free to use the comments box below and let’s all enjoy!!

An added bonus to this approach is that people can use the lyrics to learn another Zambian language!

JK

JK - Number 1

JK – Number 1

Kapiripiri by JK Ft. Salma

Kapiripiri by JK Ft. Salma

…………………………..

ACKIM SIMUKONDA

Ackim Simukonda - Bana Bandi

Ackim Simukonda – Bana Bandi

Bana Bandi (English: My Children) by Ackim Simukonda

That’s the way it is
That’s the way it is
(That’s the way it is)
Hmmm all the time

Bana bandi eh, sunganeni (My children, look after each other)

Bana bandi, eh, temwaneni (My children, love each other)

Bana bandi, eh, ishibaneni (My children, get to know each other)

Bana bandi, eh, icindikeni (My children, respect yourselves)

[Ifilimba fya tuta] – (Guitars!)

Mu mikalile yandi na mukupa kwandi (In my life style and in my marriage)

Nalisangilemo ubwafya no bulanda (I came across difficulties and sadness)

Bana bandi, eh, mwila nseka (My children, do not deride me)

Bana bandi, eh, mwila lila (My children, do not cry)

Ukufyalwa mwa fyalwa (The way you were conceived)

Cila muntu na nyina umo (Each one from their own mother)

Fwe bamo incito shali tuletelela (Some of us have got misfortune from our careers)

Twalisulwa, eh, inshila shonse (We are looked down on, in all ways)

Banyinenwe nabo pakutusumina (And your mothers who said “yes” to us)

Balipuminwe noku tukwa (Were beaten and insulted)

Eico ndemilomba bana bandi (That is why I am begging you, my children)

Icalo cesu, we, ala na cafya (Our world is a difficult place)

[Ifilimba fya tuta] – (Guitars!)

Bana bandi, eh, sunganeni ( My children, look after each other)

Bana bandi, eh, temwaneni (My children, love each other)

Bana bandi, eh, ishibaneni (My children, get to know each other)

Bana bandi, eh, icindikeni (My children, respect yourselves)

[Ifilimba fya tuta] – (Guitars!)

Ukufyalwa kwenu, eh, bana bandi (Your conception, my children)

Kwali mumaka yakwa Lesa (Was in God’s power)

Eico ndemilomba bana bandi (That is why I am begging you, my children)

Cindikeni, eh, a bafyashi benu (Respect your parents)

[Ifilimba fya tuta] – (Guitars!)

Bana bandi, eh, sunganeni (My children, look after each other)

Bana bandi, eh, temwaneni (My children, love each other)

Bana bandi, eh, ishibaneni (My children, know each other)

Bana bandi, eh, icindikeni (My children, respect yourselves)

Mwiumfwila, eh, ba cilandelande (Do not listen to gossipers)

That’s the way it is all the time

Bana bandi, icitemwiko pali banyinenwe naine chali chacishinka (My children, the love

         between your mum and me was true)

Nomba insoselo shabantunse, isha bantu bambi, eshatupusenye (But the talk of

        others, of various people, is what led to our estrangement)

Bana bandi ukufyalwa kwenu muno calo ( My children, your birth into this world)

Kwali suminishiwe na Lesa Kabumba wesu (Was allowed by God the Creator)

Temuntunse iyoo (Not by a human being, no)

Eico ndemilomba bana bandi nati cindikeni banyinenwe (That is why I am begging you

       to respect your mother)

Naine wine ne wishinwe ( including me, your father)

Ilyo tucili pano pa calo, (While we are on this earth)

Nangula fye ilyo twafuma pano pa calo (And even when we depart from this earth)

Ili ‘funde bana bandi lyenu (This teaching, my children, is for you)

Nabana mukaleta muno calo, epela (And for the children you will bring into this world,

that is all)

That is the way it is

Bana bandi eh, sunganeni (My children, look after each other)

Bana bandi, eh, temwaneni (My children, love each other)

Bana bandi, eh, ishibaneni (My children, get to know each other)

Bana bandi, eh, icindikeni (My children, respect yourselves)

Mwiumfwila, eh, ba cilandelande (Do not listen to gossipers)

That is the way it is, all the time

That is the way it is

…………………………..

UBWINGA (Wedding)

– MADALAS BAND songs

Imbeka - UBWINGA - Madalas Band

Imbeka – UBWINGA – Madalas Band

IMBEKA (Angel)
from UBWINGA Album by Madalas Band (Kitwe)
Mwimbona amamba munuma (x2)
Do not be deceived by the ugly scales on my back (x2)
Nine na fyala uyu mwana, nine nafyala iyi imbeka
It is I who gave birth to this child,
It is I who gave birth to this shining angel.
(Repeat)
Newasalangana ameno (x2)
I, with my crooked teeth (x2)
Nine na fyala uyu mwana, nine nafyala iyi mbeka
I am the one who gave birth to this child,
It is I who gave birth to this shining angel.
(Repeat)
Mwimbona imyunga munuma (x2)
Do not be deceived by my thorny back (x2)
Nine na fyala uyu mwana, nine nafyala iyi mbeka
It is I who gave birth to this child,
It is I who gave birth to this shining angel.
(Repeat)
Kanshi ubushimbe bupina, naba fimanga lumolwine,
You know what! Being single is a form of poverty
Witches are in the same boat
Bena ukufyala lisambi, Yangu ukushama we mayo
For them (witches), having children is a sin,
Oh, how sad. (x2)
(Repeat)
Mweba funda aba bana, mwisalangana ilelo
To all you teachers of  these children,
Do not disperse this day (of celebration)
Fwebapanga ishi mbeka, yangu ukushuka we tata
All of us who nurtured these children,
How lucky we are! (x2)
(Repeat)
Mwimbona amamba munuma (x2)
Do not be deceived by the ugly scales on my back (x2)
Nine na fyala uyu mwana, nine nafyala iyi imbeka
It is I who gave birth to this child,
It is I who gave birth to this shining angel.
(Repeat)
…………………………..
Bride and Groom at Victoria Falls

Bride and Groom at Victoria Falls

SELITA
from UBWINGA Album by Madalas Band (Kitwe)
(Introduction:)
Kale abafyashi ebale salila umwana wabo umwanakashi wakupa;
In days gone by, parents used to chose a wife for their son to marry
Ici califye, pantu imitundu yalifye iinono.
This was acceptable because communities were small
Ilelo cili kumwine umwaume uku isalila umwanakashi wakupa
These days, it is up to a man to chose who they marry
Pantu batila: “Icitemwa umwine, cifi ca ngulube,”
As the saying goes: “What is precious to one person appears as buffalo dung to another”
Elyo kabili “Akoni kekale kumusambo katemenwe”
It’s also said: “A bird alights on a branch of its own choosing”
Eico mwe ba fyashi, lekeni abana abene baisalile.
So, dear parents, let your children choose for themselves.
(UNCLE):
Ala nebo nshaliko ku Ndola,
I was not present in Ndola
Cine we mwipwa
My dear nephew
Abo bonse abaliko ku Ndola
All those who attended the family meeting in Ndola
Cine we mwipwa
In all truth, my nephew,
Yangu bena ne ntambi, shonse balilofya,
Alas, they have lost all our traditions
Twalikufwaila umwanakashi; fyonse twali cita
We (in the village) have already found you a bride, everything has been arranged
Nomba webo watola mu Ndola
But you have gone and picked from Ndola
Uyu wena Selita mulwani
This Selita is an enemy
Uyu wena Selita cibanda (x2)
This Selita is a ghost
Aye Selita ni nganga (x2)
Yes, this Selita is a witch
(AUNTIE):
Mwebo ba Shi Chanda , ku Luwingu
Father of Chanda, from Luwingu
Imwe mwendume yandi
My dear brother,
Mwebo mwasobola ku Luwingu
You have gone and chosen someone from Luwingu
Ati eo akope,
For your nephew to marry
Cacine kwena ni ntambi;
It is true that this is our custom
bonse twasumina
We all agree with you
Lelo kwena ino myaka kuli nabashikonka umukowa
But these days there are those who don’t follow family lines
Nabengi abaupwa mu Ndola, ne fyupo fyali cindama
The majority of people who have married in Ndola have honourable marriages
Umutundu teu teka icupo, iyo; mutima wa muntu (x2)
It is not someone’s tribe, but their heart that strengthens a marriage
…………………………..
AMALUMBO (Praise)
from UBWINGA Album by Madalas Band (Kitwe)
AMALUMBO (Praise)
from UBWINGA Album by Madalas Band (Kitwe)
Abanenu baupana,
Your friends have wedded
Leteni fye amalumbo
Offer only praise
Leteni namafunde
And bring wise counsel
Mwilaleta ulwambo
Do not bring gossip
Bambi baku Kabanga,
Some hail from the north
Bambi baku Masamba
Others hail from the south
Bambi baku tupinda
Yet others come from East and West
Ico tufwaya bwikalo
What we want is a stable marriage
Nelyo asale umulanda
Whether they choose an orphan
Nelyo opemo umufishi
Whether they choose a dark skinned person
Nelyo abe umuntu ushifyala
Whether they be unable to bear children
Icupo cena cupo
A marriage is still a marriage
Nelyo abe muntu ushibomba
Whether they be unemployed
Alekulisha umulembwe
Only able to provide ochre for relish
Buce buce mu cupo
Easy does it in a marriage
Utekanye ne calo
Do not get distracted by worldly distractions
Mwilabomfya ifishimba
Avoid magic portions
Filaleta ubulwani
They only bring strife
Temba temba mu cupo
Tender loving care in a marriage
Endawa ya bwikalo
Is the secret to a successful marriage
Munshita ya masanso
In times of trouble
Mulekwata ubusumino
Keep your faith
Lesa enkosho yenu
God is your strength
Mwilatina ifinkunka
Do not be afraid of tribulations
Nelyo asale umulanda
Whether they choose an orphan
Nelyo opemo umufishi
Whether they choose a dark skinned person
Nelyo abe umuntu ushifyala
Whether they be unable to bear children
Icupo cena cupo
A marriage is still a marriage
Nelyo abe muntu ushibomba
Whether they be unemployed
Alekulisha umulembwe
Only able to provide ochre for relish
Buce buce mu cupo
Easy does it in a marriage
Utekanye ne calo
Do not get distracted by worldly distractions

…………………………..

24 Thoughts on Zambian Music Lyrics
    Ashley
    18 Mar 2011
    9:37am

    I am looking for lyrics by Paul Ngozi

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      Editor
      23 Mar 2011
      1:07am

      Ashley, is there a particular song you want to find out the lyrics for?

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      0
    Luiza Fernandes
    20 Nov 2011
    3:28pm

    Hello, could someone be kind enough to give me the words of Mami Wandi? thanks
     

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    Kiite
    8 Sep 2011
    12:45pm

    Pls I'm looking for a translation of the song number one by JK. I'd love to know what it says in English. 10k u

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      Editor
      8 Sep 2011
      3:31pm

      Ekiite5,

      You will be pleased to note that we have posted the lyrics you requested.
      It is a nice song.

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    James Cumings
    1 May 2012
    2:50am

    I'm looking for a word-for-word translation for my Middle School Choir.  I know that the poetic translation is:  "all that sing have the right to be called the children of god".
    Bonse Aba  Mu pokelela Ba lipele maka a kuba bana
    Kuba bana bakwa lesa
    Muyayaya bakwa lesa

    Here is what I think I know.  
    Bonse = all or we
    Aba = sing?
    bana = children
    lesa = god
    Please help
     

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      Editor
      8 May 2012
      2:07am

      The Bemba grammar is not quite right (in bold), so translation becomes more uncertain:
      Bonse = All
      Aba Mu pokelela = Who receive you
      Ba lipele maka a kuba bana = Are given the power to become the children
      Kuba bana bakwa lesa = to become the children of God
      Muyayaya bakwa lesa = Forever God’s

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        Godknows Emmanuel Mwanza
        25 May 2018
        9:10am

        Good Job there .Kindly asking for lyrics of these two songs by Afunika
        Shintwala and my past

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    Sára
    19 May 2012
    2:09am

    Dear kitweonline or any Zambian friends,

    I am a part of a team that organises a 'Livingstone in Zambia' summer camp in Hungary (this website has been quite useful for us so far :)) and we would like to perform a surprise program for the children with a lot of Zambian music. Could you help us with posting the lyrics of the songs below please? 
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgY8DXOwMxc&feature=related

     
    Thanks in advance,
    Sára

     
     
     
     
     

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    Keikanyemang Ngande
    9 Sep 2013
    6:11pm

    I would like to know song Lyric for Flava Boy song Nanaka

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    0
    PLASIDAS MULENGA(PLAS~D)
    21 Mar 2015
    8:57am

    HELP ME BA GUY I WANT TO BE A ZAMBIAN SINGER.BUT I DON’T HAVE SUPPORT BA GUY CALL ME #0962826790

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    Margaret Goodwin
    14 Jan 2016
    6:59am

    Please can you give me the meaning of Chapengala, shomfwaynee, yaguntellafulla,
    yalooka
    I learnt this in 1960s with the Freray Jacques
    as the music. I am currently teaching it to a class of year 1 children and can not remember the translation thank you

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    joe
    29 Mar 2016
    4:08am

    Could you please post the lyrics of the song Yahweh by Ausward.

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    Marielene Simon
    19 Dec 2016
    8:37pm

    Hello I am looking for Banono lyrics by Jane Osbourne please. Am in love with that song but can’t understand the song and meaning of the song. Many thanks

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    tawonga
    12 Dec 2019
    8:00am

    Hi guys
    I need help in getting this song IMBEKA (Angel). I tried downloading it from this site but failing. If anyone is able to assist, I would be most grateful. If there is a latest version, that would be good too.
    Thanks

    N.B From a diaspora bride-to-be who wants to surprise her mum with the song:).

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      Braver.Heritage
      21 Jul 2021
      10:14am

      I’m also searching for,a certain song,intitled is never been easy to stay in love with u,ndenanga mutima ukhale upwanya because of u.So please if u the artist name.Inform me please,thanks

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    Braver.Heritage
    21 Jul 2021
    10:18am

    please guys,help me with the lyric of a certain guy who has just passed away.The song is intitled:Is never been easy to stay in love with u

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    Cindia
    14 Aug 2021
    11:11pm

    Kulibe..
    As cool as ice & Afunika

    Can someone please send me the lyrics

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    0

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