ToMutenda Mambo by Mhofela, Musekiwa Chingodza, Bud Cohen

We had such a great time during our 2010 tour, and the music was so good, that we decided to put this album together showcasing some of the songs we were playing.  We would like to thank Amai Shumba and Mark for putting this CD together, Thaddeus, for his expert recording, and all of our friends who made our 2010 tour worthwhile. 
One Love Still…
~~ Musekiwa and Bud
 
1. Chamutengure
Chamutengure means moving from one place to another, and is the sound of the moving wagon. In this song we sing,  “Ndiwe ndiwe ndiwe ndiwe ndiwe wandinoda, Rudo rwako mudiwa rwakadzama,” which means: “You're the one I love, your love is sweet love.”
It’s always important to keep the original name so that the next generation will learn.  We like the harmonies on this song, check it out!
 
2 . Mukai Tiende
Mukai Tiende is one of the oldest Nhare mbira songs that we play at our 
Spiritual ceremonies. In this version I play a kushaura line and kutsinhira from 
my Grandfather. If you listen, you will hear two different kushaura parts, one played by me, and the other by Bud.
 
3. Tomutenda Mambo
Tomutenda Mambo means, “We thank the King.”   It’s a song that we play for our thanksgiving ceremonies, when we want to thank our Spirits for good rain, harvest, 
guidance and so on.
In this song we're singing to the men and the women: “Vakomana (Vasikana) tikasarima iye iyerere iyere iye, oiye iyee,” which means,” If we don't grow food in our fields we will starve. Therefore, take the hoes and go to work.”

4. Sarura Wako
In this song I say, “Choose your good friend – one who has a good heart, and who loves peace.”  It’s a song that used to sing when I was a kid, also it’s a song passed along from generation to generation, even though I added some new lines.   In this version I play Kushaura and Bud plays Kutsinhira.  Enjoy the music!
 
 
5. Karigamombe
Karigamombe is a Nature Spirit song, which has nice grooving lines.   It has a big 
role in the Ceremony.  This is how we play it in my family, come join us!
Also this is the song most mbira players start with because it has simple phrases-  have fun!

6. Dande
Dande is a region in northeast Zimbabwe.  In that region there are some sacred caves 
sacred spirits - and lots of amazing traditional music.
We're happy to share this lovely song on low Mavembe tuning, enjoy!
 
7. Nhemamusasa
Nhemamusasa is one of the traditional songs my ancestors played when they settled in a place and built their shelters.  Musasa represents the land. This song plays a big role in ceremonies and gatherings.  On this version, Bud plays sweet hosho and mbira kushaura.  This is how we play it in my family.

8. Serevende of Nyamaropa
Serevende is a thing which goes on and on, just as mbira goes on and on. This song comes from Nyamaropa. When it is played, everyone gets up and dances – it’s a happy song.
9. Chikende
Chikende is a drainage pit for preventing soil erosion. In this song we're singing, 
“Vanoshanda shanda iwe,” which means, “Those who work, do work.”  The response line is “haa haa shanda, haheha heha shanda.”
Enjoy this sweet arrangement of Chikende on Nhare.