Guva Rangu

Background

This song is sung with great joy and excitement prior to one’s death. The text is a request for family members to dig a grave on a rock, something that is difficult to ensure. However, in the Shona culture it is important to respect the wishes for the deceased, especially if they are elderly and highly regarded. In the end, they will have the grave on the rock and enclose the corpse inside. This song is commonly sung in schools, even though the theme of death is frightening but the song is not sung in the context of a funeral, but for the realisation that death is a reality

English Translation

Leader: My grave, when I die, My grave vocal cries

Response: When I die, place it on a rock vocal cries

Shona Lyrics

Leader: Guva rangu, Kana ndazofa, 

Guva rangu Aiyere iyere

Response: Kana ndazofa Moise paruware Hoiya ho

Pronunciation Guide

Leader: Goo-vah, rahn-goo, kah-nah ndah-zoh-fah, Goo-vah, rahn-goo
Ah-ee-yeah-reh, ee-yeah-reh
Hoi-yah, hoe

Resonse: Moi-seh, pah-roo-wah-reh

Home Songs Page

This arrangement is inspired and adapted by Zimbabwean musician, Sandra Ndebele. The true upbeat and lively song can be heard with the added accompaniment