Vamudhara

Background 

Vamudhara, an old Shona song about a broke man who  is asked why he has worn his sandals and where is he going, as if he has money? He responds saying, he follows the mambo or the chief as the chief usually hosts Braai’s (BBQs) where villagers can drink for free.     

This song is sung with good humour about a person who like to go out for a goodime, with no money, but will always follow (or find) the party. The reponse, Haiwa Baba, is meant in a joking way, showing their disbelief, but they will not stop the old man.   

An arrangements for SATB can be found below. In this arrangement, you will hear the conversation mostly takes part between the SAT parts with the Bass section. Many of the ideas from this lead sheet are used in the SATB arrangement, it could easily be adapted to suit unison or two part singing. 

Direct Translation  

Old man, why are you wearing your sandals?  

Where did you hear about the beer, like you have money?    

I’m following the chief  (Ah No man)   

Shona Lyrics  

Vamudhara, mapfeka manyatera  

Mahunzwepi semunemari     

Vamudhara, mapfeka manyatera  

Mahunzwepi semunemari     

Ndomutevera mambo  (Haiwa Baba)  

Ndomutevera mambo  (Haiwa Baba)    

Pronunciation Guide 

Vah-muh-dah-rah, mahp-fe-ka, mahn-yah-teh-rah 

Mah-hun-zweh-pee, se-moo-neh-mah-ri  

Ndoh-moo-teh-veh-rah, mum-boh (Hai-wah-bah-bah)     

Home Songs Page

Choir Arrangment