Mawere Kongoya

Background

This song speaks to the rain spirits and tells of the crops of vegetables which have all ripened. The baboons come down from the mountain to feed on the new harvest. At the end of the day, after they have eaten well, the baboons walk back up the mountain in style (kongonya, - how the baboons walk) with a swagger in the step. So, the song expresses and requests for good rain that will provide a harvest to enable them to feed both their livestock and the wild animals.

English Translation

Leader:

The baboon has climbed up the cliff in style Don't ignore the dark brow ridges they have

Response:

Climbed up the cliff in style

Shona Lyrics

Leader:

Gudo rakwira mawere kongonya 

Gudo rakwira mawere kongonya 

Usaone mahobi kusviba

Response: Ayee mawere kongonya

Pronunciation Guide

Goo-doh, rah-kwi-rah, mah-weh-reh, kon-gon-yah 

U-sah-on-neh, mah-on-nee, kush-vee-bah

Home Songs Page

This arrangement is inspired and adapted by the late great Andy Brown and The Storm. It is an upbeat and exciting modern version that includes a brass and rhythm section. This bridging of a traditional song into a modern style breathes new life into this timeless folklore about being grateful for the fruits of their labour.