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Macheo

from Changanya by Nabalayo

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about

Macheo is the soundtrack to the dawning of a new era.It revolves around new beginings and finding ones-self amidst emotional abuse. It spells a rude awakening for the entitled oppressors as the persona finds their voice and stands up for themselves .

The song although in Swahili, samples verses from A Giriama folk dance called Gonda. These verses used in the chorus and outro further solidify the message of embarking on a new journey.

The Obokano lyre from the Abagusii makes and appearance in the percussion section .

There is the presence of the Karing'arin'a percussion from the Agikuyu.

There is a drum mimicking the Isukuti Isaza drum from the Abaluyha community(Although slowed down) making the song a totally Kenyan affair.

lyrics

Usishangae unavuna ulichopanda shauri yako.
(Don't be surprised you are reaping what you sowed. Woe unto you)

Mbona macho, macho mapana, hapo awali mlijifanya popo.
(Why are you wide eyed, when you previously pretended to be bats)

Rinaika Jogolo, Nairobi nahula mizinga ha!
(find a Giriama person to translate this for you properly. This verse alludes to the cock crowing at dawn and the start of a journey and psyching up for the journey ahead )


Acha nyumbu avuke Mara hata mamba wakitazama.
(Let the wildebeest cross the Mara even if the crocodiles are watching)

Achaneni na mitandao nenda kavune mlichopanda.
(stop going [gossiping] on the internet and go reap what you sowed.)

Rinaika jogolo, rinaika jogolo. Nairobi nahula mizinga ha!

Haiya rero haiya, na zilale koma ha!
Haiya, kuna mwana wa simba ,
nahirika mizinga sijali.
(for proper translation reach out to a Giriama person. this section is paying homage to the ancestral spirits before embarking on a journey and singing self praises to psyche one self for the journey ahead)

Kavikale!
Huo hahe huo!

credits

from Changanya, released November 9, 2020
Written performed and produced by Nabalayo.
Mixed and mastered by Thumbs Music.

license

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about

Nabalayo image

Nabalayo Nairobi, Kenya

Nabalayo is a Nairobi-based music maker, illustrator and East African Griot.

Her music is composed in the Changanya genre that she pioneered.

The music she makes is ethereal, combining light airy vocals with complex African idioms and heavy electronic sounds to give her listeners an experience that is out of this world. ... more

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