Shumba Murambwi (Lion) Totem in English

Thank you, The Rejected One
Thank you, the Lion
The causer of sudden surprise
When we see your face

Well done Chibwa, the performer of wonders
Our successful hunters, the providers,
The one who walks gently, being one of Chibi’ sons
The ones who swagger, the eaters of venison
Thank you my lion, this very one.

Thank you very much my dog of the wild, this very one
Thank you the Mharis, the rainmakers
Those who lie buried in Nyaningwe
Those who lie buried in Chamhota
Thank you Lion

The one who drags at nightfall
The one who does not subsist on plunder
Thank you, the children of Mhungudza
The ones who lie buried at the Junction
Your good deeds have been witnessed by all,
You, the Mharis

Your good deeds have been performed, you who are at Chitonje
Those who turn into leopards even in broad daylight
They have been performed, the causer of surprise when they see your spoor.
At the sight of your physique, they panic
Thank you, who lie buried at the Junction
Where the clan parted after the father died.
Thank you very much, my black-backed jackal this one
Your good deeds have been performed, son of Chibi
We can’t ask for more, black-backed jackal
The children of Nyamukanga, Makovere
They have been performed, you son of the Nyaningwe, Chibwa!

Original in Shona

Maita Murambwi
Maita Shumba
Matikaha
Kuona chiso.

Hekani Chibwa, Mushereketi,
Vadzimba vedu, variritiri,
Mutsikapanyoro vana vaChibi,
Vakanyairi, vadyi vemhuka,
Maita Shumba yangu yiyi

Hekani Bumhi rangu riri,
Maita vaMhari, Chipamutoro,
Vari Nyaningwe,
Vari Chamhota,
Maita Shumba.

Mukweverakwasviba,
Asingadyi chokupamba,
Maita vaMhungudza,
Vari Baradzanwa,
Zvaonekwa vaMhari.

Zvaitwa vari Chitonje,
Vanomuka ngwe namasikati.
Zvaitwa Matikaha nokuone gumbo,
Kuone mumhu vanovhunduka.
Maita varere Baradzanwa.
Kwaka paradzanwa baba afa.
Hekani Mhungubwe yangu yiyi!
Zvaitwa mwana waChibi!
Aiawa zvaonekwa
Mhungubwe.
VaNyamukanga, Makovere.
Zvaitwa muNyaningwe, Chibwa!