Gembe Nagema Ng'wanone

Album: Sukuma Labor Songs from Western Tanzania (1994)

Songfacts®:

  • The title of this song can be translated as "I have made the hoe my child"; it was written by Paulo Mafanyanga, and yes, he really does mean a hoe.
  • This is one of many songs and chants alluded to in Sukuma Labor Songs from Western Tanzania 'We Never Sleep, We Dream of Farming', by Frank Gunderson, which was published by Brill of Boston in 2010.
  • "Gembe Nagema Ng'wanone" is written in 4/4 time, and was performed by the composer to the American Ethnomusicologist during a lengthy walk. It was recorded July 20, 1994. According to the author: "the singer considers the hoe as a member of the family, literally as his child. He scolds it like a child and jokes with it, telling it not to complain about the work it is doing, lest it be thrown in the great river Beregedi." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.