Usacheme by Chiwoniso Maraire

One of my favourite songs by the late Zimbabwean mbira player, Chiwoniso Maraire, is a lullaby she wrote to her children Chiedza and Chengeto. The song is called Usacheme - Don’t Cry.

A lot of people around the world are in need of some comforting during these troublesome times. I hope you enjoy my band’s rendition of this beautiful song.

Otto and The Mutapa Calling marimba band performing Chiwoniso Maraire's mbira lullaby, Usacheme (Don't Cry), at St Mary's Church Putney during their concert at Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival 2018.

-- Lyrics --

Usacheme - Chiwoniso Maraire

Chinyarara mwana wangu (Don’t worry my child)
Usacheme ini ndiripo (Don’t cry, I’m here)
Ndokutora mumawoko angu (I will take you in my arms)
Usacheme-iwe (Hey, don’t cry)

Shu-shu-shu-shu Chengeto wangu, (Hush my dear Chengeto)
Amai vanokuda (Mum loves you)
Ndipopa ugere (Where ever you are)
Chinyarara mwana wangu (Don’t worry my child)
Usacheme-iwe (Hey, don't cry)

Shu-shu-shu-shu Chiedza wangu, (Hush my dear Chiedza)
Uringirozi rekudenga (You are an angel from heaven)
Chinyarara mwana wangu (Don't worry my child)
Usacheme-iwe (Hey, don't cry)

-- About Otto and The Mutapa Calling --

Otto and The Mutapa Calling is a lively London based marimba band playing energetic, joyful music from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, including folk songs, original songs and popular southern African covers. The band's set-up includes soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas, mbira, hosho, drumming and singing, with both traditional and contemporary dances. The marimba band’s sound is full of energy and pulsating rhythms - and the band’s music shares the rich cultures, histories and stories of the people of southern Africa.

www.ottogumaelius.com

-- Social Media Links --

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Listen to us on Spotify

Watch us on YouTube