Gombo Ndarida

Gombo Ndarida is one of my favorite original compositions. It’s rhythm structure takes from, and is, a mixture of the traditional Dinhe, Chinyambera and Katekwe dance rhythms. The ‘backbeat’ in the drumkit makes it very interesting and makes the rhythm, which might be unfamiliar to many Westerners, perhaps more accessible.

It is a song about determination and self motivation... setting one’s mind on a goal, going for it and achieving it, come what may. Gombo is a Shona word that means “a piece of land that has never been ploughed before”. It says, “I’ve set my mind on the piece of land and early in the morning, I’m going to go ask the King if it can be mine. I’m determined to plough it this season”.

I dedicate this one to the memory of my brother, Tafadzwa “King Taz” Soda who sadly left us way too soon. He was a monster bassist and all round great musician and person. We had so many adventures together in music and in life. He really liked this song and always asked me if we could add it to our live repertoire. Taz was a determined and audacious person who if he set his mind on something, would go for it till he got it, no matter how lofty or difficult it seemed. This song embodies that spirit he had and I will always remember him with it. Rest In Power King Taz!

Zimbabwe, Mbira, Katekwe, Chinyambera, Dinhe, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, James Chimombe, Jah Prayzah, Tamy Moyo, Harare, African Dance, Leonard Dembo