Ndima dzeNhetembo · Poem Stanzas 💡 Click any stanza or line to listen

Ndima 1

Amai makandibereka muzuva nemumvura,

Mother, you carried me through scorching sun and driving rain,

Kumbereko kwenyu kwakandifadza makore.

Your loving back kept me safe and comforted for years.

Makatakura pamusana pasina kunyunyuta,

You carried me on your back without a single murmur of complaint,

Ndichichema muchindinyaradza nenziyo dzerudo.

When I cried, you gently soothed me with sweet lullabies of love.

Ndima 2

Makamwa mvura inotonhora ndikaguta ini,

You endured plain cold water so that I could drink and be full,

Masikati nousiku muchindipepeta sembambaira.

Day and night you tended to me as gently as sweet potato shoots.

Makandidzidzisa kutaura, kufamba, nekukudza vakuru,

You taught me how to speak, how to walk, and to respect our elders,

Mudzidzi wenyu nhasi ava munhu ane unhu.

Your little student today has grown into a person of dignity and character.

Ndima 3

Maita basa amai vangu, maita Chidokohori,

Thank you for your tireless work, my mother; thank you cherished one,

Moyo wenyu chena unokunda sirivha nendarama.

Your pure, radiant heart is worth more than silver and gold.

Mwari wedenga akupei makomborero nemazuva marefu,

May the God of Heaven shower you with abundant blessings and long life,

Zuva haridoki ndisina kukurumbidzai!

The sun will never set without me singing your heartfelt praises!

Dzepfunde! · Learn Shona

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Mashoko Anokosha · Key Poetic Vocabulary

Tap any word to listen to its pronunciation and definition

Kumbereko

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🗣️ koom-beh-REH-koh

The baby-carrying cloth or act of carrying on back

Kunyunyuta

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🗣️ koo-nyoo-NYOO-tah

To grumble, complain, or murmur discontent

Pepeta

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🗣️ peh-PEH-tah

To nurture tenderly; to winnow or care with delicacy

Unhu

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🗣️ OON-hoo

Virtue, moral integrity, Ubuntu human dignity

Chidokohori

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🗣️ chee-doh-koh-HOH-ree

Affectionate praise name expressing deep love for mother

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Ongororo yeNhetembo · Literary & Cultural Insights

📌 Dingindira Guru (Main Theme):

Gratitude, filial piety, maternal sacrifice, and the enduring sacredness of mothers in Shona culture.

🎨 Zvirungamutauro (Metaphors & Imagery):

“Kumbereko” symbolizes maternal shelter and early guidance; “kuchindipepeta sembambaira” evokes gentle nurturing of tender crops.

🌱 Chidzidzo cheHupenyu (Life Lesson / Moral):

🇿🇼 Amai musimboti werudo rweupenyu; vana vanofanira kuvakudza nekupemberera basa ravo.

🇬🇧 A mother is the foundation of unconditional love; children should honor and express gratitude for her lifelong devotion.

Maita Amai