Kuimba: Music/Lyrics
Giza
Feared, admired, a force to be reckoned with, Chui, the Leopard, a magnificent Presence felt in the mystical Ituri Forest nights.
Personnel- Lark Bowerman, lead vocals, Tanzanian harp, shaker; Kris Bowerman, vocal, Talking drum, percussion; John Waller, Moroccan clay drums; Don Keller, electric bass
(Chorus) Saa ya giza imefika, Saa ku acha ku tumika, Iko saa ku pumzika, Na wapepo wamefika
English Translation of Chorus:
The time of darkness has come, Time to leave off working, It's the time to rest, And the spirits have arrived.
(Verse)Your soft black shawl has fallen ’round me, Stars are shining in their places, Beaming down their lucent faces, Insect violins surround me.
So soft the night, so strong my terror, Chui comes without a sound, Gold eyes burning huge and round, Makes my eyes her human mirror,
I can’t see her in the daytime, Chui, Leopard, Friendly Foe, Follows everywhere I go, Tracks me down into the dreamtime…
Swahili Translation of Verses:
Kikwembe yako neusi ana zunguka mie. Nyota wana ngala ndani ya fasi yao. Na ku peleka nuru ya sura yao chini. Nina sikia wa zeze ya wadudu fasi yote. Usiku iko teketeke, lakini kuogopa yangu iko ngufu kupita. Chui ana kuya kimya kabisa. Macho yake mavilingo kabambi ku choma kama moto. Ana tazama ndani ya macho yangu. Si wezi ku ona ye na uchana Chui, Leopard, rafiki na adui. Ana fuata mie fasi yote nintembea. Hata ku fika ndani ya njozi…