OSINYATI BY NANANA SIAMPALA {BEST OF MAASAI } {official video}
NANANA SIAMPALA, July 15, 2020
****
Lydia Nashami - Kiitok "SKIZA 7639231" (Official HD Video)
Lydia Nashami, July 29. 2020
**** Edited by Azizi Powell This pancocojams post presents three videos of contemporary Kenyan Gospel music.
This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series that documents the changes that appear to have occurred in the ways that contemporary Maasai people wear their hair.
The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are showcased in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
**** PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE I'm an African American woman who has watched a number of
YouTube videos of Maasai culture and has read a number of online articles and
offline books about Maasai culture. I've done so as part of my general interest
in Black cultures around the world.
By no means am I suggesting that I am an expert on Maasi
culture.
As a result of perusing numerous YouTube videos of secular
and religious Maasai music -especially videos published after 2017 - it appears
that many if not most Maasai women don'tadhere to the traditional custom of shaving their hair. This contradicts
the descriptions of Maasai women that are found in most internet articles. I
decided to search for and then post information and videos on this subject to
help correct what appears to me to be outdated and erroneous information about
this African culture.
In the religious and secular YouTube videos of Maasai
culture that I've watched, the Maasai women (particularly those who wouldn't be
categorized as "older women") wear their hair in very similar (if not
the same) hairstyles as most of the hairstyles that are worn by African
American females.
Although women are thefocus of these pancocojams posts about changes in Maasai hairstyles,
these showcased videos (and some other YouTube videos) also document changes in
the ways that some Maasai men wear their hair (including some men having facial
hair) and the ways that some Maasai children wear their hair.
** The pancocojams posts in this series aren't meant to suggest
any positive or negative valuation about the changes in hair shaving and hair
styling customs among the Maasai people. However, it seems likely that such
significant cultural changes as the ways that women-and men- wear their hair
has had and may continue to have societal ramifications for Maasai people.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/12/youtube-videos-that-showcase- multiple.html for a 2017 pancocojams post on this subject.
That post, entitled "YouTube Videos That Showcase Multiple Hairstyles Worn
By Contemporary Maasai Women", showcases some older YouTube videos of
Maasai women with shaven heads, and links to more contemporary videos of Maasai
women with various hairstyles. These with hyperlinked videos replace videos
that had been embedded in that post are no longer available. Also, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/12/changes-in-ways-that-maasai-wear-their.html
for a pancocojams on this subject that is entitled "Changes In The Ways
That Maasai Wear Their Hair (And Other Changes To Some Maasai Customs Related
To Physical Adornment)". And click the "Maasai shaven heads and hairstyles"
tag below for other pancocojams posts on this subject.
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of "Kibali" by Kenyan Gospel singer Florence Andenyi.
Swahili lyrics for this song are given in this post with English translations. This post also included selected comments from the discussion thread for these lyrics and from the showcased video's discussion thread.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
In addition to this song and its video, I'm particularly interested in learning some Swahili words to English from Google's translations. However, I've added some suggested alternative standard English translations for some of the results of those translations.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Florence Andenyi for composing and singing this Gospel song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
M-TOWN PRODUCTION, Published on Aug 30, 2014
-snip-
English definitions for the Swahili word "kibali" (as found in comments in this video's discussion thread) = approval; permission, consent, favor
****
LYRICS: KIBALI
"Kibali (Approval) Lyrics by Florence Andenyi
(Sung in Swahili)
Baba naomba kibali Chako (Father I ask for Your approval)
Yesu naomba ushirika Wako (Jesus I pray for Your fellowship)
Masiya naomba kibali Chako (Messiah I pray for your approval)
Kibali Chako, kwa uimbaji wangu (Your approval for my singing)
Kibali Chako, kwa huduma yangu (Your approval for my ministry)
Nishikilie nisianguke Baba (Father Hold me that I may not fall)
Natamani nikae na wewe maishani (I desire to abide with Youu in life)
Ninapoimba uwepo wako ushuke Baba (When I sing, may your presence come)
Nisiwe na kiburi ndani yangu nitumie Baba
(That I should not harbour any boast, use me Father)
Kama ndabihu iliyosafi Mbele zako, nitumie Yesu
(As a worthy offering before You, use me Jesus)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Najitoa kama dhabihu nitumie Baba (I give myself as an offering, use me Father)
Wewe ni mwema sana umetukuka (You are good, You are exalted)
Hakuna kama wewe (There is no one like you)
Wewe ni mwema sana umetukuka (You are good, You are exalted)
Hakuna kama wewe (There is no one like you)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Nishikilie nisianguke Baba (Father hold me that I may not fall)
Ukiniacha nitamezwa na dunia (If you abandon me, I’ll be swallowed by the world)
Naomba unishikilie wokovu wangu (I pray for You to hold my salvation)
Naomba unishikilie imani yangu (I pray for You to hold my faith)
Achilia kibali chako ndani yangu (Release your approval within me)
Achilia uwepo wako ndani yangu (Release your presence within me)
Achilia ushindi wako juu yangu (Release your victory on me)
Achilia amani yako juu yangu (Release your peace on me)
Achilia kibali chako ndani yangu (Release your approval within me)
Achilia uwepo wako ndani yangu (Release your presence within me)
(Verse 1)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)"
-snip-
Here are two comments from this page's discussion thread:
Alice, Apr 21, 2016
"Thanks for the lyrics but kibali sio approval ni favor"
-snip-
Swahili
"sio" = "no"
-snip-
"Ni" = "it is"
**
REPLY
Barak, Feb 21, 2018
"It all means the same."
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread, with numbers assigned for referencing purposes only:
2016
1. emmy onu
"A Lovely and touching song, even though I hardly understand a single word... But I love it... More grease and God bless.. Flo... from Nigeria"
-snip-
I think that "more grease" in this comment comes from the American saying "more grease to your elbow", meaning "keep up the good work".
Although emmy onu didn't specifically for an explanation about this song, several commenters from Nigeria, and from Ghana did ask for such an explanation. I read most of the comments in Kibali's YouTube comment thread and, in spite of the fact that a number of commenters asked in English what the song meant, no one responded to those requests even though there were commenters whose names suggested that they were East African and who wrote statements in English about that song.
That lack of response to what certainly appeared to me to be sincere, respectful requests for a general statement about what the song meant, if not an actual translation (in English) of the actual lyrics, appears to be different from such responses in other YouTube contemporary African music discussion threads. In some of those discussions that I've come across, mostly for Nigerian songs, a number of people responded to such requests by posting a general summary of the song if not a partial or complete translations of those songs' lyrics.
Is this response for this Kenyan song typical of YouTube discussion threads for contemporary Kenyan (or Swahili) music videos? Could this lack of response mean that Kenyans (or Swahili) speakers prefer that only people who speak Swahili post on their music threads?
Read comment #36 which refers to this subject of including English translations of Swahili language songs.
**
2. Wambua Daniel
"Am always blessed when I listen to this song ,Keep it up Florence,"
-snip-
I've seen the statement "Keep it up" in a lot of YouTube contemporary African music discussions threads. I think that statement is a short form of "Keep up the good work". To my knowledge, "Keep it up" isn't used the same way in the United States. Instead, in the USA, if someone says "Keep it up" it's likely to be warning that that person will face negative consequence if he or she continues to do or say what prompted that statement.
****
2017
3. Anne Mmbone
"wow so amazing napenda this siz of my may THE LORD ALMIGHTY keep you going"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"napenda"= I liked
-snip-
I've also seen "napenda" elsewhere translated as "I love".
The words "siz of my" = "my sister".
This is one example of several comments that included an alternative spelling of the word "sis" which isn't used in the United States, although some other vernacular words might substitute a "z" for a "s".]
**
4. Akello Violet
"Nishikilie nisianguke baba"
wonderful job well done sister, bwana asifiwe .....may He bless ur ministry.
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"Nishikilie nisianguke baba" Let me not forget my father with "father" here meaning God.
"bwana asifiwe" = "Praise the Lord"
**
5. Maryam Al
"barikiwa sana"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English= "very pleased"
**
6. Martha Arthur
"Pls sis i love your songs but i don't understand .Pls translate particular one for me thanks.Ghana."
**
7. Amos Oduor
"The first time I heard this song it was her voice that stood out. I love the simplicity and sincerity of the song. Stay grounded and may God bless you."
**
8. rebecca kanini
"I'm blessed by this song. Surely i need God's favor
**
9. Dan Wafula
"this is how gospel supposed to be sung"
**
10. mutuku clinton
"This is what the GOSPEL entails. Let other Gospel singers emulate the same. Don't Sing for the sake of singing. The song always touches my life. Glory to GOD"
**
11. Dominic Obunaka
"Big tune dada, keep it up"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "dada" = "sister"
**
12. Githumbi john
"Kibali chake tu ndiyo kinaweza kutuinuwà,nimebarikiwa my sis, God anoint u even more
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "Only his consent is possible, I have been blessed".
**
13. Caroline Nyanga
"This is one of the best Kenyan gospel songs i have heard. God bless you Andenyi. Keep up the spirit for the glory of God. Personally I am so proud of you. Once again God bless you abandantly. This is one of the reasons He created us to worship Him."
**
14. Tabitha Namayi
"Amen dada"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English for the word "dada"= "sister"
**
15. John Nganga
"achilia kibali chako...
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English.
"let down your permit"
-snip-
My suggested alternative English translation: "Let down your favor; grace? [upon me/us]".
**
16. julia kurgat
"Im always touched by your songs and when I am down I listen they really help thanks and God bless you.
**
17. Pendaely Mungure
"Wow Unanifanya ni msifu Mungu wangu mda wote"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English
"You make me worship my God all the time"
**
18. Peter Kingori
"Wow! I did not know this song bird has such great prodcut. the setting humbles me and remings me of my childrnehoold days when we used to assist mother peel the mboco and minji. Oh she has made me nostalgic....not sure how i can make sue i contribute to her success. God bless her."
**
19. Sherylin Geoffrey
"Naomba kibali chako daddy"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "I request your approval daddy." [with "daddy" here meaning Father God]
**
20. Isaac Nato
"I love the song too much . It's actually good gospel 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
-snip-
"too much" = very much
I've seen this positive meaning of "too much" in some other YouTube African music discussion threads. That meaning is different from how "too much" is usually used in the United States. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-positive-uses-of-too-much-or-too.html for the pancocojams post entitled "The Positive Use Of "Too Much" Or "Too + An Adjective" In West African Pidgin English"
**
21. Purity Manthi
"Naomba kibali bwana"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "Naomba kibali bwana= I beg the master"
-snip-
My suggested standard English: "I fervently ask the Master (God) for his approval (favor; grace?)."
**
22. Fauster Matiko
"can't get enough of listening to this song baba naomba kibali chako naona bingu zikifuka. Mungu akubariki kwa wimbo mzuri.
Unanibariki sana
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"Daddy ask for your permission and see the thunderstorm. God bless you for a good song.
You really bless me"
**
23. Faith Carol
"This is my wake up alarm song, I wake up to pray each morning. I love it."
**
24. esther awino
"hiyo song inaguza sana....keep it up Florence my God bless u"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
hiyo= "that"
"inaguaza sana" = very painful
-snip-
My suggested alternative translation for "inaguaza sana" very touching; very emotionally moving
**
25. Miriam Mndeme
"Mungu naomba achilia kibali chako kazini kwangu kwenye ndoa yangu kwenye huduma yangu mahali pangu pa kuishi juu ya Afya yangu Yesu naomba ushirika katika maisha yangu ninayo ishi hapa duniani mpk utakapo nichukua
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English
"I beg God to let your work work on me in my marriage in my ministry my place to live on My Health Jesus I ask for a partnership in my life here on earth when you take me"
**
26. Things Of Essence
"I seldom listen to Kenyan Gospel Music, but this one held me - not once not twice - I haven't had enough of it. Thanks Florey!"
**
27. Hillary Lukase
"I like the song..... Big up
-snip-
Here's a definition of the term "Big up" from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=big%20up:
"big up
(noun) origin - jamaican 1980s. singular and plural.
1. An expression of support or encouragement.
2. An expression of remembrance.
origin - "Up" is an english term used to mean elevation. Therefore the term "big up" literally means to elevate highly or to a superlative degree. "I want to big up everyone who has shown me support over the years."
"Big up on that excellent performance"
by neochin June 17, 2004"
**
28. Naaman Kilonzo
"Mungu akubariki"
-snip-
Google translate from Swahili to English: "God bless you"
**
29. Caroline Nangila
"God bless you siz for blessing my heart and many more.lov u"
-sip-
“Siz” may be a typo for “sis” meaning “sister”. However, there were several other comments with this spelling, suggesting that this may be a vernacular custom in Kenya or elsewhere (but not that I'm aware of in the United States.)
**
30. Charles Siele
"Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote" May it come to pass Florence.
What a voice, what a gosple message!"
-snip-
Google translate from Swahili to English
"I see the heavens open in worship
I see attributes all over the world"
-snip-
These are lyrics from that song.
**
31. Ezra Misaki
"I like the local natural environment that shows real life. But also the song is interesting and good when resting under a big tree"
**
32. Mary Mwendwa
"nice song florence. your songs are blessing to me. mungu akupe kibali uendeleze injili."
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "God grant you permission to continue the gospel."
****
2018
33. Moses Nko
"Be BLEASSED.I real like your songs particularly KIBALI.Ubarikiwe sana
-snip-
Google translation of "Ubarikiwe sana" from Swahili to English: "Be very blessed"
**
34. Osmond J
"There are many lovely things in life and florence's music is one those things!! Beautiful!! And so is she!!"
**
35. simple lady Liz
"Baba naomba kibali chako"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "Father, I beg your permission."
**
36. hellen chihana
"These songs always try to translate in english.They have a message which can change people's lives."
-snip-
I agree that publishers of Swahili language (and other African languages) songs on YouTube should include a general statement in English (or in other major languages such as French or Spanish) about these Swahili Gospel songs.
**
37. martin sakwa
"In Kenya luhyas a always blessd with sweet voices they dont force it.Love this song"
-snip-
This comment implies that Florence Andenyi is a member of the Luhya ethnic group. Here's information from about the Luhyas ethnic group from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luhya_people:
"The Luhya (also known as Abaluyia or Luyia)[2] are a Bantu ethnic group in Kenya.[3] They number about 5.3 million people according to the 2009 census, being about 16% of Kenya's total population of 38.5 million, and are the second-largest ethnic group in Kenya.[1]
Luhya refers to both the people and their language. There are 18 (and by other accounts, 19, when the Suba are included) tribes that make up the Luhya. Each with a distinct dialect. The word Luhya or Luyia in some of the dialects means "clan", and Abaluhya (Abaluyia) thus means "people of the clan". Other translations are "those of the same hearth."".
This pancocojams post showcases the Swahili Gospel song "Nani Kama Wewe" as sung by Kenyan Gospel singer Eunice Njeri.
Information about is also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for religious and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Fanuel Sedekia, the composer of this song and thanks to for her rendition of this song. Thanks also to all those quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT EUNICE NJERI
From https://softkenya.com/kenya/eunice-njeri/
"Eunice Njeri is a Gospel Artist from Nairobi Kenya. She was born on the 2nd of January 1983 in Nanyuki at Nanyuki village.
Eunice Njeri was born on 2nd January 1983 in Nanyuki. She is an award winning gospel musician famed for her popular gospel hits Umeniweza and Bwana Yesu among others. She is also a staunch Christian and a praise and worship leader."...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Eunice Njeri - Nani Kama Wewe {OFFICIAL VIDEO} HD
Eunice Njeri, Published on Sep 20, 2014
My Latest release from the album Nimekubali
Video by Eagles Films
Audio by John Nyika
****
SWAHILI LYRICS FOR "NANI KAMA WEWE"
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Mwenye nguvu kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Mwenye enzi kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Tunajua hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Tunajua hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Atupendaye kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Anaye tujali kama wewe, bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Mwenye enzi kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Mtakatifu kama wewe, nani kama wewe,
Mwenye enzi kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Ni nani kama wewe bwana, nani kama wewe,
Tunajua hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Tunajua hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
Hakuna mwingine, kama wewe bwana,
****
ENGLISH TRANSLATION FOR THIS SONG
WHO ARE YOU lyrics by Fanuel Sedekia
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
He is so powerful as you master, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
The Almighty as you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
We know no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
We know no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who loves us as you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Who cares like you, sir, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
The Almighty as you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
Holy as you are, who like you,
The Almighty as you lord, who like you,
Who is like you lord, who like you,
We know no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
We know no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
There is no other, as you master,
This pancocojams post showcases seven YouTube videos that document the changes which have occurred and are still occurring in the ways that Maasai females wear their hair.
Every internet article that I've read about Maasai culture indicates that Maasai women wear their hair shaven bald. Although this is the traditional custom for Maasai females, a number of YouTube videos, especially contemporary videos (2016 on) document that many Maasai women also wear their hair in multiple other hairstyles, such
as short cropped natural hair, or various styles of braided hair with or
without extensions, or in multiple styles of straightened (chemically relaxed)
hair, with or without hair pieces or weaves.
Although most of the videos that are featured in these post show singers performing religious songs, this post's focus is the ways that Maasai females wear their hair. Some of these videos will be showcased separately on this blog to highlight those songs and/or other content.
The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Click the Maasai culture and Kenyan Gospel music tags to find other YouTube videos of Maasai songs. These videos include other examples of contemporary Maasai womens' hairstyles.
****
DISCLAIMER:
The only "research" that I've done on the subject of contemporary ways that Maasai females wear their hair is through the internet, and particularly by watching a number of YouTube videos of Maasai people.
**
This post isn't meant to convey that no contemporary Maasai women is bald headed. Based on YouTube videos, there are Maasai women who still completely shave their hair or who wear their natural hair very closely cropped.
**
This post also isn't meant to suggest any positive or negative valuation about the custom of shaving any female's hair or any female wearing her hair in any particular hairstyle.
**
Furthermore, these videos aren't meant to represent all of the various ways that Maasai females wore or now wear their hair.
**
These examples aren't meant to chronologize the ways that Maasai females shaved their hair or when a number of Maasai females began wearing their unshaved hair in various hairstyles. However, for comparisons sake, the first three videos below (published in 2007, 2010, and 2013) show Maasi women with bald heads or with their natural hair closely cropped. The other four videos (dated 2012, 2016, and 2017) show Maasi women with other hairstyles.
** In these and in other YouTube videos of Maasai women lead singers/backup singers of religious and secular songs that I have watched, none of these women have shaven heads or closely cropped hair. I think that suggests that these women (and also those who listen to this type of music) don't consider women's shaven head or closely cropped hair styles to be modern "in style" ways for Maasai women to wear their hair.
**
I'm not a hair stylist. Therefore, I may have used incorrect terms for the examples of hairstyles that I've noted which are shown in these videos. Additions and corrections are welcome.
Any information about this topic is welcome in this post's comment section below. Thank you.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Pancocojams Editor's Note: When I revisited this post on Dec. 27, 2020, I found out that several videos that I embedded are no longer available. Unfortunately, Google format has changed and I don't know how to embed new videos into old posts. However, I've added hyperlinks to videos that include scenes of contemporary Maasai women to replace the videos that are no longer available.
**** Example #1: Maasai Women
xin zang, Published on Jun 29, 2007
These are Maasai women dancing to welcome visitors. The all gather in front of the village. The have very short hair cuts.
****
Example #2: Maasai women singing before the ceremony to honor the new Chief Otumoi William ole Nairuko
Marilyn Parver, Published on Sep 18, 2010
The Maasai women of Loita Kenya sing in celebration of Chief Otumoi William Ole Nairuko!!
He is about to be made the Chief of his generation.
****
Example #3: A Tanzanian Maasai tribe's singing and jumping dance in their boma
franklinclayfilms, Published on Oct 7, 2013
I was told there are at least 128 different tribes in Tanzania. Most have their own language and customs. The Maasai tribe(s) are known as livestock grazers. The importance or wealth of a Maasai family is determined by the number of animals it has (cows are most prized). A Maasai family lives in a home or enclosure called a boma. The boma provides protection for the animals from carnivores. Adult Maasai men can have more than one wife. There is a hut for each wife in the boma.
The Maasai are known for their unique kind of dance -- they propel themselves straight into the air. One of my primary objectives of this trip in 2013 was to film their dance.
-snip-
Notice that some women shown in this video had short natural hair (hair that is unprocessed), sometimes with one or two lines shaven into the hair: as shown at 1:13 and 1:28 of this video.
****
Example #4: Enkisuma(Education) Maryanne Naipasoi Tutuma
Maryanne Naipasoi Tutuma, Published on Mar 29, 2012
Education Is the key to a successful life. OLOLOSHO LAI MAISUMATA.
-snip-
Notice that some of the young girls aren't bald, but wear their hair in various hairstyles.
****
Example #5: DORCAS KAREI DELIGHT MEDIA KENYA, Published on Dec 6, 2016
Sidai Ena Arna Enkai : THE NAME OF THE LORD IS GOOD
-snip- This video is no longer available. However, here's are my descriptions that I wrote about the hairstyles worn by the women in that video:
Dorcas Karei- straightened hair with a bun in the back (a hair piece?)
Background singers consist of three woman with very short hair. One female has noticeably relaxed/straightened hair on the top with hair shaved on the sides and the back 3:35. The two other women with very short hair that also appears to be relaxed, forming tiny curls or twists.
The remaining background singer wears her hair in long micro braids [extensions?] that fall past her shoulder.
Also, notice that in this video and other contemporary YouTube Masai videos, Masai women also don't have their earlobes elongated as shown in the video given as Examples #1-#3 in this post.
This video also includes men with various hairstyles. The men are holding wooden staffs. -snip- Here's a hyperlink for another video of Dorcas Karei:
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Example #6: NKATAMPO-BY ROSELINE LEKIRIMPOTO TECHBYTE COMPS, Published on Jan 18, 2017
-snip-
This video is no longer available. I wrote that that video "shows contemporary Maasai women with multiple hairstyles, including braided hairstyles." -snip-
Here's a replacement video that shows Maasai women with various hairstyles including straightened hair, big afro, and long braids (extensions?)
Focus on the Maasai culture and their beauty accessories
In this week's This is Culture segment on the Morning Call, Linnete Bahati puts the focus on the Maasai culture from Kenya and Tanzania, which is one of the biggest attractions in Africa.
They are known to be faithful to their culture, traditions and history till date. But they have adapted uniquely to the rapidly changing world, integrating modern ways of life with their culture.
But their beliefs and core values still remain strong. ****
Example #7: SEND OFF YA DR. NAI KIPUYO || MASAI BEST PARTY
MC Luvanda, Published on Feb 27, 2017
Pure experience of masai pre-wedding ceremony.
-snip-
This video is no longer available. I wrote that "This video has numerous examples of hairstyles that are worn by Maasai women.
My guess is that the women marching into the ceremony are the bride (the woman in the front of the line on the right), her chief bridesmaid (the woman in the front of the line on the left) and the bride's court (other bridesmaids). If I'm wrong, please correct this guess. Thanks. " -snip- Here's a replacement video that shows a contemporary Maasai wedding in which all of the young women wear their hair in contemporary natural hairstyles (including multiple braids/extensions) that are the same as or very similar to many natural hairstyles that are worn by contemporary African American women. Some other women attending that wedding (particularly young women) also wear their hair in those same styles.
This pancocojams post provides some information about Maasai people and culture and showcases five YouTube videos of Maasai Gospel songs composed and performed by
Selected comments from two of these videos' discussion threads are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Stephen Leken for his musical legacy and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
The Maasai tribe (or Masai) is a unique and popular tribe due to their long preserved culture. Despite education, civilization and western cultural influences, the Maasai people have clung to their traditional way of life, making them a symbol of Kenyan culture.
Maasai's distinctive culture, dress style and strategic territory along the game parks of Kenya and Tanzania have made them one of East Africa's most internationally famous tourist attractions. Maasai men
The Maasai people reside in both Kenya and Tanzania, living along the border of the two countries. They are a smaller tribe, accounting for only about 0.7 percent of Kenya's population, with a similar number living in Tanzania. Maasais speak Maa, a Nilotic ethnic language from their origin in the Nile region of North Africa.
The Samburu tribe is the closest to the Maasai in both language and cultural authenticity."...
****
Excerpt #2:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasai_people
..."The monotheistic Maasai worship a single deity called Enkai or Engai. Engai has a dual nature: Engai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Engai Na-nyokie (Red God) is vengeful.[31] There are also two pillars or totems of Maasai society: Oodo Mongi, the Red Cow and Orok Kiteng, the Black Cow with a subdivision of five clans or family trees.[32] ...The central human figure in the Maasai religious system is the laibon whose roles include shamanistic healing, divination and prophecy, and ensuring success in war or adequate rainfall. Today, they have a political role as well due to the elevation of leaders. Whatever power an individual laibon had was a function of personality rather than position.[33] Many Maasai have also adopted Christianity and Islam."...
The Maasai believe in one God, whom they call Ngai. Ngai is neither male nor female, but seems to have several different aspects. For instance, there is the saying Naamoni aiyai, which means "The She to whom I pray". There are two main manifestations of Ngai: Ngai Narok which is good and benevolent and is black; and Ngai Na-nyokie, which is angry and red, like the British.
[...]
Guardian spirits
At birth, Ngai gives each man a guardian spirit to ward off danger and carry him away at the moment of death. The evil are carried off to a desert, while the good unsurprisingly go to a land of rich pastures and many cattle.
[...]
Laiboni - diviners, ritual experts and medicine men
Also spelled loiboni, oloiboni, olaiboni; singular: laibon, loibon, olaibon, etc.
The Laiboni are the ritual and spiritual leaders of Maasai society, whose authority is based on their mystical as well as medicinal/healing powers. They are aided in their tasks by age-group leaders called olaiguenani, who are chosen before circumcision to lead their age-group until old age.
There is usually only one Laibon per clan. Their role is multiple: to officiate and direct ceremonies and sacrifices, to heal people of both physical and/or mental or spiritual ailments, and to provide advice to elders on the spiritual aspects of community matters. They are also prophets, shamans and seers, and are the ones -with help from the elders - who name the successive age-sets, and open and close the various ceremonies of age-set transitions. The post of Laibon is confined to only one family in the Nkidong'i location and is inherited.
They have no political power, although the British installed a number of them as quasi-paramount chiefs during the colonial period, whose rivalries ensured that the British would always remain in control. A Laibon also command a lot of power depending on his personality and, of course, efficacy. This was the case with Mbatiany (Batian, whom Mount Kenya's highest peak is named after), who managed to command many Maasai sections at the time of the British colonisation.
The main function of the Laiboni, like those of sacrifices, is essentially to bridge the gap between man and God (or "the other world"), though a Laibon's influence is generally limited to 'reading' the mind or the intentions of God through divination, for example by reading stones thrown from a cow's horn. The Laiboni in this capacity are especially consulted whenever misfortune arises, be it the failure of rains, disease epidemics or military losses.
They are also healers, deeply experienced in the medicinal properties of the plants which grow in their environment, and whose leaves, roots or bark can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments (the word for tree, olchani, plural ilkeek, is the same as the word for medicine). According to popular myth, it was the folk of the forest who taught the Maasai the medicinal uses of various plants - whose descendants might well be the Ndorobo and other surviving groups of hunter-gatherers today.
The conditions treated in this way range from headaches, stomach worms and other stomach ailments, to colds, venereal diseases, barrenness, chest complaints, malaria, cuts and bruises, eye diseases, and many other conditions. Noteworthy, too, is the fact that long before western medicine was introduced, the Maasai used to inoculate people against the deadly small-pox virus (entidiyai) by making scratches in the person's forearm in which a small amount of pus from a dying patient was smeared.
Even today, the role of the laiboni is still very important, being so deeply entrenched in the social life of the people to the extent that physical ailments that cannot be treated by a traditional physician are taken to the diviner. As a people known for not having forgotten the past, the Maasai Laiboni have in recent years also earned a reputation as being the best healers in Tanzania, dispensing herbal remedies to treat physical ailments, and ritual treatments to absolve social and moral transgressions. So-called Laiboni can also be found peddling their knowledge and herbs in towns and cities throughout Kenya, admittedly alongside very many imposters - it's a lucrative business, especially in the AIDS era.
Ore enkiting'oto ino, naa ninye enkiterunoto enkai.This is a Maasai phrase that means ( your end is God's beginning.) This song is from the book of 1 kings 17:1,24. May the Lord God bless you as you watch.
***
Example #2: ENKUENIA [OFFICIAL VIDEO]. Skiza codes 7199717.
Stephen Leken, Published on Jul 17, 2016
Enkunia is a Maasai word meaning(Laughter). This is a Maasai gospel song composed and written by Stephen Leken.and it's from the book of Esther 6:1, 14. 7:1, 10. May God bless you as you watch.
****
Example #3: ENKAI KAANYORR [OFFICIAL VIDEO]. Skiza codes 7199718.
Stephen Leken, Published on Jul 26, 2016
Enkai Kaanyorr is a Maasai phrase meaning (I love you God). May you be blessed as you watch.
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Example #4: SHILISHIL [OFFICIAL VIDEO]. Skiza codes 7199719
Stephen Leken, Published on Jul 18, 2016
Meeta Enkai shilishil. It's a Maasai phrase that means, (God does not entice). This is a Maasai gospel song composed, written and sung by Stephen Leken. The song is from the book of numbers 13:1-33 and 14:1-10. Moses send 12 men to explore the land of Canaan, the land that God promised to give to Israelite. This song tells us how faithful God is. God does not promise you something and He can't give it to you, or show you what He wanted to give you then refuses it again. He is always faithful. As you watch this video, I want you to thank the Lord telling Him, Ashe Enkai amuu miata shilishil, nimitum.(thank you God because you cannot show me something good and refuses it.) May God bless you as you watch.
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this video's discussion thread. These comments are numbered for referencing purposes only:
2017
1. Van Asae
"kali sana my fav maa artiste of all tym. big up bro"
**
2. Kimeto Lilian
"ashe oleng.i have got maa blood.i hear this I cry.its the language of my people.great song."
**
REPLY
3. Carolina Jane
"Kimeto Lilian plz translate for me"
**
REPLY
4. paul sankaire
"Caroline Jane in a nutshell its saying God will bless you as He doesn't discriminate"
**
5. Vero Tutayo
"Proud to be a maasai ,good job"
**
6. stanley matias
"Can someone please translate it for all of us who literally love the song without a clue what's being sung 🙄
His gestures though 👍👊"
**
REPLY
7. Stephen Leken
"stanley matias thank you. It means God Will never show or promise you something good and when you are about to take it He takes it back. He will always fulfill His promises."
**
8. john kavuu mwangangi
"the most nice songs ever in kenya's life'
**
9. Osotwa Isaya
"Asanteeee"
****
Example #5: METUMI [OFFICIAL VIDEO]. Skiza codes 7199720.
Stephen Leken. Published on Jul 18, 2016
Metumi Enkai Nikinyanyukie is a Maasai phrase meaning (There is no God like you). This is a Maasai gospel song composed and written by Stephen Leken. May God bless you as you watch.
-snip-
Here are two comments from this video's discussion thread.
1. petra09933 (2017)
"Super Stephen! Its a beautyfull song..Proud Maasai people dancing and singing..Bless you all"
**
2. vetech valuers (2017)
"Metumi Enkai! Glory to God! be blessed Leken."
This pancocojams post showcases Kenyan Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei's song "Taai" (We Are Moving Forward).
I've categorized "Taai" as a Kenyan/Nigerian song because it includes one line in Nigerian Pidgin English and one Igbo word (repeated twice). These Nigerian words- and its Naija flavor (according to one commenter in this song's YouTube video's discussion thread) are likely because in 2016 Emmy Kosgei married a Nigerian pastor and moved to Nigeria.
Selected comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread are included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Emmy Kosgei for her musical legacy and thanks to Tiger and all others who are featured in this video or had a role in producing this video and song.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/emmy-kosgei-taunet-nelel-kenyan-gospel.html http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/emmy-kosgei-taunet-nelel-kenyan-gospel.html for information about Emmy Kosgei and the Kalenjin people of Kenya.
Also, click the Emmy Kosgei tab below for additional pancocojams post about this singer and her songs.
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SHOWCASE VIDEO TAAI (we are moving forward ) OFFICIAL VIDEO
Emmy Kosgei Published on Jun 3, 2016
Uploaded on June 3, 2016 by Emmy Kosgei. The official video of the track Taai from Emmy kosgei's upcoming 6th Album.
****
LYRICS - TAAI (WE ARE MOVING FORWARD) [with English translations]
(Emmy Kosgei)
(Chorus )
Taai .. Taai .. Taai x2. Kibendi tai
(We are moving forward)
Verse 1
Kimite bandaoo, kimite Safari
(We are sojourners .. Embarked on a journey)
Ngandamite kipsulienyit ,kiaisoti ainet
(Despite the raging storms..we shall triumph)
Kigetebi eng Komosi mising kogoyam kebe komosina,
(..We've been on this side for too long: it time to cross over -Jesus told the disciples)
Amun mitei Cheiso nyanjet orit atatuliza bahari ,hatutaogopa kamwe : tunasonga mbele'
(We shall not fear the tides because Jesus will calm the storm)
(Chorus )
Verse 2
Magibo chelite let,ama kibo chegachuchandos , kibendi eng nyiganatet Ama kitoptobeni...
(We are not of them that look back or them that get intimidated: we are moving forward boldly)
There are many mountains to conquer,many victories to be worn [probably a typo for "won"]...
We go carry dey go there is no stopping ([Nigerian] pi[d]gin English)
With all due respect, instead of the translation that is given for "We are sojourners .. Embarked on a journey", a more likely standard English translation would be "We are travelers starting our journey".
Also, I think that the translation "We are moving forward boldly" would probably be given in Standard American English as "We are boldly moving forward".
**
My guess is that "We go carry dey go" means something like "I'm determined to move forward".
Definition: Let. Used to signify that you are going to do something. Example: Make I see you for hia again! You go chop pepper! (Let me see you here again. You will taste pepper.)
**
"Gaba" [Google translate from Igbo to English = proceed]
However, the standard American English translation for "Gaba" would probably be “Keep going” or “Go forward” or "Move forward" as the title indicates.
Read the comment given as #27 below and my note about "egu atulagi" that is given below it.
Please add any corrections of these notes about these lyrics. Thanks.
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF THE SHOWCASED YOUTUBE VIDEO
Here are selected comments from the discussion thread for this post's YouTube showcase video. Comments are numbered for referencing purposes only.
2016
1. James Makau
"Don't understand Kalenjin but this lady's music is awesome."
**
2. Titus Kibet
"From the beginning (Taunet Nelel) bado Tunasonga Mbele (Taaai), Your songs are a progressive journey dear
**
Reply
3. Violah Mitei
"the first was katau banda( i have started a journey) she is really amaazing on her journey"
-snip-
These titles refer to some of Emmy Kosgei's records.
**
5. Gilbert Nnaji
"Yes, make we carry de go, egwu agagh atu anyi. You are great, Madam. God bless you."
**
6. mark kosgei
"wow apart from the great message, the kalenjin language is sweet"
**
7. fred sagala
"Be blessed Emmy you're an inspiration to many,when you got married far away from from home i thought it was the end of listening to our Kalee songs from you,i have been proven wrong.Go Go Go .........I LOVE" TAAI.
-snip-
"Kalee" is a colloquial way of saying "Kalenjin".
This commenter refers to Emmy Kosgei's marriage to a Nigerian pastor and moving to that West African Nation. Click http://www.sde.co.ke/article/2000196431/gospel-singer-emmy-kosgei-reveals-why-she-married-nigerian-pastor-madubuko for the article "Emmy Kosgei reveals why she married Nigerian Pastor Madubuko" By Wesley Kipng'enoh | Tuesday, Mar 29th 2016
"Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei Madubuko has revealed why he got married to Nigerian pastor Apostle Anselm Madubuko.
In an interview with Nigeria’s The Sun, the Ololo singer opened up about her marriage and music career since moving to the West African country"...
**
8. Muthemba Faith
"love , love this song.. Taaai...(we are pressing on)"
**
9. Agnes Muchemi
"Now waohhh my sister the oga touch must dy now, niger is too much ohhhh. I love the song is sweet and i love kalenjin language. Beautiful get great voice wish would go more internation with a song in English sure next time"
**
Reply
10. Jennifer Chebor
"This is waay international, just the way it is"
-snip-
"Niger" in this comment probably means "Nigeria".
**
11. hellen njaraganu
"beautiful...i like the new twist: more languages, and studio work"
**
12. Ai Sam
"Love the Naija feels in this! no missing the Etigi moves. Welldone Sis Emmy and the team!! Great music!!"
-snip-
"Naija" is a colloquial term for "Nigeria". Etigi is a traditional Nigerian dance form.
**
13. Kimtai Elly
"wow..awesome track legendary emmy..grt rendition n sound,,its all kale all kenyan all east african n ofcourse naija ooh..big up all the best as u progress further n further ahead no turning back"
**
14. Elizabeth Payne
"Great song. How many languages are here?"
**
15. Lilian Maxwell
"Mama Emmy has nailed it again! Beautiful masterpiece @Taai. We go carry dey go there's no stopping!"
**
16. chichi4praiz
"Hey Sis, this is extra ordinary, marvelous and unique. I love it, Nothing is holding us back, we are pressing on"
**
17. Gladys Mathu
"The long awaited video is out absolutely amazing feeling blessed Emmy you are just a blessing. one day ago shake hands with you mum."
**
18. Moses Ochieng
"And here it is finally! ..... tai tai... Hiyo bass ni ya Meshak... Wah! hi song inabamba. The dance and that intro! Asante sana Emmy for bringing this fresh music."
-snip-
"Asante sana" is KiSwahili. Its English translation is "Thank you very much". I dont know what language inahamba are. Google translate from Swahili to English gives "That bass is Meshak." for "Hiyo bass ni ya Meshak" and just repeats the word "inahamba".
**
19. HASMO DISTRIBUTORS VOI
"U SIMPLY make me love kaleee wow"
**
20. Millicent Langat
"wow! I love this song ohh."
**
21. Janet Ogolla
"mek I carry dey go. wetin Papa God put His hands is blessed. dalu dalu"
-snip-
I think that the Nigerian Pidgin English word "wetin" in this comment means "Whoever". I'm not sure what "dalu dalu" means
**
22. Sarah Asalwao
"waoh waoh ...... kibendi taai no more turning back ,nice song ,be blessed sister Emmy"
**
23. Raquel Kimani
"Waoh ...............I love it.............lovely lovely............wow.......Pressing on to our higher mark.........Halleluyah........"
-snip-
My guess is that this commenter refers to the Christian hymn "Higher Ground". The first verse in that old hymn:
"I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
**
24. Richard Ruson
"Gaba.. Gaba.. Gaba... Egu a tulagi, I love it. Am blessed."
**
25. Nicholas Karani9 months ago
hujaanza imba ki-nigeria ama hukijui???......lovely song though. super!!!!!!!!!!
-snip-
Google translate from KiSwahili to English: "you start singing ki-nigeria or you do not know"
**
Reply
26. cheb1987
"There is Nigerian dialect Igbo and pidgin in the song unless you didn't watch till the end"
**
27. Gilbert Nnaji
"Yes, make we carry de go, egwu agagh atu anyi. You are great, Madam. God bless you."
-snip-
According to Google translate "Gaga" from Igbo to English as "proceed". "Move Forward" is probably a better standard English translation for that word.
Google translate indicates that "egwu agagh atu anyi" is Igbo and its English translation is "We will never be". Google translate gives no Igbo to English translation that makes sense for "egu atulagi" [translation: the caterpillar tulagi]]. Are those words Nigerian Pidgin English or Kalinjin?
**
28. Ben Kabii
"African tune, African attire, African dance
Show them how it is done Emmy"
**
29. alfred tomno
"awesome...love it moving forward no stopping"
****
2017
30. Evarlyn Kavaya
"awesome song big up."
-snip-
"Big up" is Jamaican slang for "Big up yourself"; It's meaning is very much like "Give yourself a pat on the back [for what you have done or said].
**
31. Qui ngugi
mad love💓💓💓💕
-snip-
"Mad" here is African American Vernacular English and means "lots of"; as in [I have] lots of love for you or for this song.
**
32. Daniel Kimilu
"Who is reading the comments and watching at the same time ???? This is DOPE!!"
-snip-
"Dope" is an African American Vernacular English word that means "very good".
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series that showcases examples of the East African Gospel song "Amenitendea" (He has done it). This song's title is also given as "Amenitendea, Immanuel", meaning "Emmanuel [Jesus] has done it".
Part II featured four videos of adults singing the East African Gospel song "Amenitendea". One of those videos features Kenyan animation.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer of "Amenitendea" and thanks to all those who are featured in these examples. Thanks also to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
****
EDITOR'S COMMENT
I've been unable to find any information about who composed the religious song "Amenitendea" and when it was first performed. "Amenitendea" means "He has done it" in Luganda, a Ugandan language. It's therefore likely that this song originated in Uganda, East Africa. However, some of the people who sung this song in the videos are from Kenya, East Africa or Tanzania, East Africa. I'm not sure if those people are singing in Ki-Swahili or in Luganda. As the publisher for the video given as Example #1 below wrote "Luganda is a bantu language, as is Swahili, subsequently some words and word structures are shared. Although it may mean the same in Swahili, doesn't mean it's wrong to say that it is Luganda)."
The Luganda lyrics for this song are given in the description for the description section of the first video that is embedded in Part I of this series.
Any information about this song would be greatly appreciated.
Also note that I often showcase multiple renditions of the same song because I'm interested in documenting and showcasing the different ways that a particular song can be performed.
In addition to this song's message, and the way that it is performed, I'm also interested in the clothing, hairstyles, and performance styles that are shown in these videos.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
These examples are given in chronological order based on their publishing date on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.
Example #1: Amenitendea - African Animation (Kenya)
Mwangi Animation, Published on May 2, 2012
"Amenitendea" by Gospel Nation... animation by Mwangi @ Balozi Productions. Enjoy the River Road flavour!
-snip-
*This song may have originally been from Uganda. I'm not sure where the group "Gospel Nation" is from. The animation was done in Kenya.
****
Example #2: Amenitendea
Alex Sibo-Mana, Published on Jun 6, 2012
-snip-
The song begins at 1:20 in this video.
****
Example #3: Amenitendea - He has done for me (Immanuel)
Hope Restoration Christian Ministries , published on Mar 17, 2013
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Example #4: Amenitendea By Bofenda Touch of a KinG H264
AFRO TV Published on Apr 6, 2014
-snip-
The description for another Bofenda Touch of a KinG video indicates that this group (or singer) is from Kenya.
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series that showcases examples of the East African Gospel song "Amenitendea" (He has done it). This song's title is also given as "Amenitendea, Immanuel", meaning "Emmanuel [Jesus] has done it".
Part I features four videos and one sound file of children or children and teenagers singing "Amenitendea".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer of "Amenitendea" and thanks to all those who are featured in these examples. Thanks also to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
****
EDITOR'S COMMENT
I've been unable to find any information about who composed the religious song "Amenitendea" and when it was first performed. "Amenitendea" means "He has done it" in Luganda, a Ugandan language. It's therefore likely that this song originated in Uganda, East Africa. However, some of the people who sung this song in the videos are from Kenya, East Africa or Tanzania, East Africa. I'm not sure if those people are singing in Ki-Swahili or in Luganda. As the publisher for the video given as Example #1 below wrote "Luganda is a bantu language, as is Swahili, subsequently some words and word structures are shared. Although it may mean the same in Swahili, doesn't mean it's wrong to say that it is Luganda)."
The Luganda lyrics for this song are given in the description for Example #1.
Any information about this song would be greatly appreciated.
Also note that I often showcase multiple renditions of the same song because I'm interested in documenting and showcasing the different ways that a particular song can be performed.
In addition to this song's message, and the way that it is performed, I'm also interested in the clothing, hairstyles, and performance styles that are shown in these videos.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
These examples are given in chronological order based on their publishing date on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.
Example #1:Amenitendeya - Mwamba Rock Choir (2009)
Mwamba Choir of RCF Uganda, Uploaded on Aug 13, 2010
Amenitendeya means "He has done it for me" in Luganda, one of the most spoken vernacular languages in Uganda. (editor's note due to numerous comments/queries: Luganda is a bantu language, as is Swahili, subsequently some words and word structures are shared. Although it may mean the same in Swahili, doesn't mean it's wrong to say that it is Luganda)
This song is about the great things God has done for these precious children, rescuing them from some terrible situations and bringing them a safe place to stay with friends to support them, giving them a bright future. This footage was recorded during the Mwamba Choir's 2009 Northern Ireland tour to raise funds to commence vital construction of a new Primary school and boarding section on land they were able to purchase at Maya, outside Kampala. The Mwamba Choir are all orphans or underprivileged children staying at Rock Childrens Family Home in Buziga area of Kampala.
Henriette Hazelhoff-Bos, Published on Oct 23, 2013
CD: Wereldwijs
"Amenitendea, Imanueli" betekent: Hij heeft het gedaan voor mij, Immanuel.
-snip-
Google translate- from Dutch to English:
"Amenitendea, Imanueli" means: He did it for me, Immanuel.
-snip-
This example includes Dutch sub-titles of this song's lyrics.
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Example #3: AMENITENDEA
young martin Published on Apr 10, 2014
-snip-
This is a video of young girls dancing to the record "Amenitendea" by Gospel Nation.
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Example #4: KEZIAH & SALOME ........... AMENITENDEA EDTDxvid
Amos Sambai Published on Feb 19, 2015
KEZIAH & SALOME NI WATOTO WA FAMILIA MOJA WANAOMTUMIKIA MUNGU KWA NJIA YA UIMBAJI MUNGU AMEKUA AKIWATUMIA SANA KILA WANAPOKUA WAKIHUDUMU NA KUBARIKI MIOYO YA WATU WENGI
-snip-
A Google search indicates that there's a facebook page for Keziah & Salome Amos, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Example #5: Message Choir - Amenitendea (official video)
Ab musiq Published on Apr 12, 2015
Message choir praising God for what he has done in their life. enjoy, dance, and share. Thank you
This post showcases a video of the Kenyan Gospel song "Nikupendeze" sung by Mercy Masika. Swahili lyrics and English translations are also included in this post along with information about Mercy Masika.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Mr. Vee for composing this song and thanks to Mercy Masika for her musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
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INFORMATION ABOUT MERCY MASIKA
From http://www.ghafla.co.ke/lyrics/z/102-biographies/biographies/378-mercy-masikas-biography Mercy Masika's Biography, Written by Baba Ghafla, Created: 03 November 2009
"Mercy Maskika. She released her debut album at twelve years of age, and had formed a music group at thirteen. Her sophomore album followed in form one, and she was appointed choir director for Machakos Girls High School. Disarmingly shy and soft-spoken but powerfully gifted vocally, Mercy Masika is no ordinary lady.
Mercy speaks of her gift matter-of-factly, pointing out that she has always known that God called her to be a singer. She credits her early interest in music to her parents, especially her mother, Agnes Masika, herself a singer. Agnes was the face of that KBC programme of yore, Sing And Shine. Through this involvement, Mercy and her siblings were introduced early to shows like Joy Bringers, where they performed severally...
But it was not until she joined Daystar University in 2002 that her gift as a worship artist really began to grow, buttressed by the abundance of opportunity and talent in the school. This year saw her meet up with producer Robert “R Kay” Kamanzi for the production of the album that propelled her to national limelight, Wendo Waku. Done largely in Swahili and her native Kamba, the album was quite a challenge for Mercy...
It would be not be an overstatement to say that Mercy’s life is and has all been about music. Now all grown up, Bishop Masika’s daughter has her eyes set on the world music platform (and hints of being a preacher). Says Mercy:
“I believe that Africa has a lot to offer to the world. I want to hear songs of praise rise out of Africa. I want to a voice of praise and worship in this land. I want to be Africa’s own Martha Munizzi.”
There’s no doubt she has every intention of making this dream happen. She can do it, too. "
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The biographer notes that Mercy Masika's native language is Kamba. Here's information about the Kamba language:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamba_language
The Kamba... or Kikamba, is a Bantu language spoken by the Kamba people of Kenya. It is also spoken by 5,000 people in Tanzania (Thaisu).
The Kamba language has lexical similarities to other Bantu languages such as Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu.
In Kenya, Kamba is generally spoken in 4 out of the forty-seven Counties of Kenya. These counties are Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, and Kwale. The Machakos variety is considered the standard variety of the three dialects and has been used in the translation of the Bible.[1]"...
Artist : MERCY MASIKA
Song : NIKUPENDEZE
Song Written By Mr. Vee
Audio Produced By Tim Still Alive Records
Video Directed By Still Alive Videos
Content Administered By Calif Entertainment Africa Ltd
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LYRICS: NIKUPENDEZE
(composer - Mr. Vee)
Ooh ..oooh yeah, oooh yeah..oooh
Verse:
Mienendo yangu na na tabia zangu, zikupendeze.
Kuvaa kwangu na kunena kwangu, kukupendeze x2
Naomba nifanane nawe, yesu niwe jinsi upendavyo.
Nifanane nawe, yesu niwe jinsi upendavyo.
Verse:
Familia yangu, marafiki zangu tuwe sawa nawe, biashara zangu, kila kitu changu kiwe sawa nawe x2.
Refrain:
Verse 3
Nifanane nawe (Yesu) niwe jinsi upendavyo
Refrain
Verse 4:
Baba x2 kwa kunena kwangu (nikupeneze)
Baba natamani sana (nikupendeze)
Nakupenda sana ( nikupendeze)
Kwa kunena kwangu (nikupendeze)
Kutembea kwangu , ooh niamkapo baba wacha nikupendeze..uuuuuh!!!!
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ENGLISH TRANSLATION: TO IMPRESS YOU
(composer- Mr. Vee)
Ooh ..oooh yeah, oooh yeah..oooh
Verse 1:
My movement and behavior
(to impress you)
My dressing and talking
(to impress you) x2
I pray to be like you
To be how you want, Jesus
Refrain:
Touch me, mold me, carry me
Create me, make me
To be like you
To impress you x4
Verse 2:
My family
My friends to be fine with you
My businesses
Everything to be fine with you x2
Refrain
Verse 3
To resemble you, Jesus
To be the way you want
Refrain
Verse 4
Father through my talking
(to impress you)
Father I wish
(to impress you)
Through my talking
(to impress you)
Through my walking
(to impress you)
And when I wake up, father
(to impress you)
Lyrics & Translation Source: http://gospellyr.blogspot.com/2015/10/nikupendeze-lyrics-by-mercy-masika.html
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I'm not sure if those Kenyan lyrics are in Swahili or in Kamba, which the biography of Mercy Masika notes is her native language. I'd appreciate any information from those who are familiar with those languages. Thanks!
This post showcases five YouTube examples of the Kiswahili religious song "Nikupe Nini Mungu Wangu" (What Shall I Give You My God). I think that each of these examples were performed by Kenyan Catholic choirs.
The Swahili lyrics to this song are included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Basil Lukando for composing this song. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these examples, thanks to all who are quoted in this post, and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
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LYRICS: NIKUPE NINI MUNGU WANGU (Swahili)
Title's English translation: What Shall I Give You My God
(Composed By Basil Lukando)
Nikupe nini Mungu wangu
Nikupe nini ee Mwokozi
Nikupe nini Bwana wangu cha kukupendeza
1.Kila nitakachoshika mbona bado ni kidogo
Fadhili unazotenda kwangu mimi naogopa
Ninakuomba Mwokozi nifanyie msamaha na unipokee
Mema unayoyatenda nitafanya nini mimi nikurudishie
2.Nakutolea mkate toka mmea wa ngano
Nakutolea divai ni tunda la mzabibu
Ninakuomba Mwokozi nifanyie msamaha na unipokee
Mema unayoyatenda nitafanya nini mimi nikurudishie
3.Mchana hata siku wewe wanisimamia
Na nikiwa safarini waniepusha ajali
Ninakuomba Mwokozi nifanyie msamaha na unipokee
Mema unayoyatenda nitafanya nini mimi nikurudishie
4.Kama njia sioni Bwana unaniongoza
Na hata nikipotea kwako unanirudisha
Ninakuomba Mwokozi nifanyie msamaha na unipokee
Mema unayoyatenda nitafanya nini mimi nikurudishie
5.Nikiwa na matatizo Bwana hunisaidia
Nikiwa kwenye majonzi Bwana unanifariji
Nitatoa nini mimi kitakachokuwa sawa na fadhili zako
Nitaimba nini mimi niyataje mema yote utendayo kwangu
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FEATURED VIDEOS
These examples are given in chronological order according to their publishing dates on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.
OOh MUNGU wangu. Upengo wako ni wa Agape, hauna sababu wala haujivuni. Nikupe nini?, nikulipe nini?, nikutolee nini? Vyote ni mali yako, hata mimi mwenyewe ni mali yako. Wewe ni MUNGU na utabaki kuwa MUNGU JEHOVA!!
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Google translate:
Oh my God. Agape is your gap, you have no reason not puffed up. Let me give you what ?, why ?, nikutolee nikulipe what? All is yours, even myself is yours. You are God and will remain that GOD JEHOVAH !!
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Example #3: NIKUPE NINI MUNGU
Ken Maisiba, Published on Oct 2, 2013
Holy Spirit Choir – Gilgil
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Example #4: Nikupe Nini Mungu Wangu
Ange M, Published on Nov 5, 2013
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Example #5: NIKUPE NINI MUNGU WANGU BY ST JOSEPHS MIGORI CATHOLIC CHURCH- GREAT CATHOLIC MUSIC
Christian City-Great Christian Music, Published on Jul 1, 2014
Nikupe nini mungu wangu.....
nikupe nini ee mwokozi....
nikupe nini mungu cha kukupendeza....
-snip-
Google translate:
What shall I give my god .....
Why give thee, O Savior ....
I give her what the god to please ....
Comment:
Catherine Nyambura, 2016
"pendo lake haliwezi elezeka"
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Google translate: His love can not be overemphasized
This post showcases five videos of the popular KiSwahili Gospel song "Nani Kama Wewe". These examples showcase the different ways that this Kenyan Gospel song is sung.
Lyrics for Nani Kama Wewi (as sung by Eunice Njeri) are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer of this song and all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the producers of these videos, and the publishers of these videos on YouTube. In addition, thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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LYRICS: NANI KAMA WEWE (Who Is Like You)
(Lyrics by Gloria Muliro ft. Man Ingwe & Mercy Linah)
[from] Kenya, sung in Swahili
Ni nani kama wewe (Who is like you) x3
Mungu mkuu (Almighty God) (Repeat)
Kwa neno lako Bwana (By the word of your mouth Lord)
Uliumba dunia na vyote vilivyomo (You created the earth and all in it)
Jina lako Baba, limeinuliwa juu ya yote (Your name Father, is lifted above all others)
Hakuna, hakuna kama wewe (There is no one, There is no one like you)
(Refrain)
Uinuwae wanyonge (You lift the weak)
Wawaketisha na wafalme (And sit them amongst kings)
Hakuna uwezaye tenda ila wewe (No one can do this except you)
Nikitazama maisha yangu (When I look at my life;)
Ulikonitoa Yesu wangu (From where you’ve brought me my Jesus)
Nina sababu ya kusema, ni wewe pekee (I have a reason to say, Only you)
(Refrain)
Nani mwenye uwezo (Who has the might)
Nani mwenye rehema tele (Who has the abundant compassion)
Nani mwenye enzi kama yako (Who has dominion like yours)
Ni wewe pekee (Only you)
Wastahili sifa zote (You deserve all the praise)
Mbinguni na duniani Baba (In heaven and on earth Father)
Twakusujudu, twakuabudu, twakuheshimu (We bow to you, we worship you, we extol you)
(Refrain)
Umetukuka adonai, el shadai (You’re praiseworthy Lord, God almighty)
Mungu mwenye nguvu (Mighty God)
Ni nani mwingine kama wewe (Who else is like you?)
Hakuna wa kulinganishwa na wewe Baba (There’s no one compared to you Father)
Nani kama wewe Baba/Yahweh (Who is like you Father/Yahweh)
