Kuimba: Music/Lyrics
Kacheche
It was one of my best things as a kid, to wake up before the crack of dawn and listen in the stillness for the first bird call. Then as soon as the forest air was utterly permeated with their songs I would tip toe out into the misty, dew laden world of an Ituri morning. Kacheche’s voice was always to be heard, hauntingly sweet among the trees. Kacheche, the little black and white wagtail bird. Our second version of this song. More upbeat than the original. Personnel- Lark Bowerman, lead vocal, kinubi (African bow harp); Kris Bowerman, vocal, recorder, djembe, Talking drum, percussion; Don Keller, electric bass
Swahili:
O ndege, O ndege, Una imba na furaha. O ndege, una imba Na furaha ngufu sana! Una imba-o!
(Chorus) Kacheche, Kacheche, Kacheche-ka Kacheche, Kacheche, Kacheche-ka
O ndege, o ndege, Una ruka mbali sana. O ndege, un ruka Mbali sana ya matata! Una ruka-o!
(Chorus)
O roho, o roho yangu, We imba vile na furaha. O roho, we ruka vile Mbali sana ya matata! We ruka vile-o!
(Chorus)
English Translation:
Oh, bird, oh bird, You sing with happiness. Oh bird, you sing With happiness so intense! You sing-oh!
Oh heart, oh my heart, You sing with happiness too. Oh heart, you fly Very far away from grief and trouble!
You fly too-oh! Oh bird, oh bird, You fly very far. Oh bird, you fly Very far away from grief and trouble! You fly-oh!