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But Nyako you refuse me…By Mike Kwambo

like Tony Nyadundo
singing Isanda Gi Hera
I am very very sad

Lando* lady
oh! how I love you
but nyako* you refuse me

when I see you
my heart goes kubum bu
like the great isikuti* beat

you generate feelings in me
like KenGen generates electricity
and even if I tell you…you refuse me

omukhana omulai*
what can I possibly do
to make you feel like I feel

should I stop the Eldoret Express bus
climb it…sit in the seat…pay for the seat
and travel to visit you in Kasipul Kabondo?

and when I get there
should I talk to you and convince you
to accompany me back to Shamakhokho?

ja-ber!you are so sweet
so sweet like a packet of Mumias Sugar
ja-ber! I am the cup of tea that needs your sweet sugar

I think of you as my future omukhasi*
with every thought of you I hear kubum bu
please lando lady I am yearning for you

I have tried to explain to you the feelings of my heart
using thoughts in my mind and words from my mouth
but nyako…you refuse me

EXPLANATIONS
( Lando- means fair skinned in the Dholuo language)

( Nyako-refers to a woman or girl in Dholuo)

( Ja-ber- refers to a beautiful woman in Dholuo)

(Omukhana Omulai- Refers to a good woman/girl in the Luhya language)

( Omukhasi-Refers to woman/wife in Luhya)

(Isikuti-Corruption of “Is good” in English.Refers to a melodious Luhya dance

Discussion

3 Responses to “But Nyako you refuse me…By Mike Kwambo”

  1. Great delivery, beautiful poetry, reminds me of Okot p’Bitek’s Song of Lawino

    Posted by Sally | November 25, 2008, 6:24 pm
  2. Wonderful piece of work,is there a sequel to this? If so,please get it for us,please?

    Posted by Aketch | November 28, 2008, 12:10 pm
  3. thank you guys,
    very humbled by your responses
    there is indeed a sequel or two

    Posted by Maik Kwambo | June 10, 2009, 12:34 pm

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