JOHN LOW - COVER OF MAPENDANO BIBI NI YA KUMACHO BY LOSTA ABELO

This soulful tune by the great Katangan singer-songwriter Losta Abelo is one of my favourites. The singer is complaining to his lover that her love is only in her eyes - in other words, shallow and insincere. All to no avail: things only get worse, and they go their separate ways. To hear a recording I made of Losta singing this song, go to:
sounds.bl.uk/W...
You can also find this song on the video African Fingerstyle Guitar, with a full tablature, taught by a much younger me! guitarvideos.c...
Words in Kiswahili:
Mapendano bibi ni ya kumacho chérie.
Ndani ya roho kuwaza mingi
Ni vizuri tupendane
Tupendane ndani ya roho.
Njoo tuendelee bukweli yetu
Bukweli ndio kitu kikubwa.
Ukipenda kama sawa hupendi chérie -
Uniambie sasa kweli.
Nikutume na kwenu sasa,
Minachoka na mambo yako.
Translation:
Your love is only in your eyes my darling.
We need to reflect deeply in our hearts,
It’s good to love each other,
Love each other deep in our hearts.
Let’s go ahead with our wedding -
Marriage is a really big thing.
Whether you love me or not my dear -
It’s time to tell me the truth.
I’m going to send you home now -
I’ve had enough of all your problems.

[@fanniterrette]

Thanks John! Loved this one. Appreciate the links, too.

[@johnlow2903]

Hi Fanniterrette, thanks - yes it's a great song! So sad that there are so few Losta songs available anywhere. This SA site has a few songs of his, if you type Losta Abelo into search engine. Old 78's. There are also several of Jean-Bosco Mwenda's old 78's here. samap.ukzn.ac.za/

[@ahlanmeride]

beautiful

[@johnlow2903]

Thanks Alex! So glad you enjoyed it.