The song begins with the narrator, Mnyalu, reflecting on the potential changes that could come with fame. He knows that many people who achieve success often change their ways, becoming arrogant and materialistic. He is determined not to let this happen to him.
Mike Tee sings about how he will remain humble and down-to-earth, even if he becomes famous. He will not forget his roots or the people who helped him along the way. He will also continue to be true to himself, even if it means making some sacrifices.
The song is a reminder that fame is not always what it’s cracked up to be. It can be a corrupting force, leading people to lose sight of what’s important. Mike Tee’s message is a valuable one, and it is one that everyone can learn from.
The line “Hata kama Mnyalu unasikika kwenye CD, Hata unaonekana kwenye TV, Hata kama mnyalu unatokea gazet hii..iii nasi.. sintobadilika 1×” (Even if Mnyalu is heard on CD, even if he is seen on TV, even if Mnyalu appears in this newspaper..iii nasi.. I will not change 1x”) emphasizes Mnyalu’s determination to stay true to himself, regardless of his level of fame.
The line “Wanaowalenga wanalia machozi ya kuhofia, wakidai muda wamabadiliko umewadia, Mnyalu kutengana na nduguze kutengana na nduge kisa mali, kujiona fahari apitapo kila mahali” (Those who target him cry tears of fear, claiming that the time for change has come, Mnyalu separating from his brothers separating from friends for the sake of wealth, feeling proud as he passes by everywhere”) suggests that Mnyalu’s friends and family are worried that he will change for the worse if he becomes famous.
The line “baba mama maswali, mpenzi nae maswali mpenz nae maswali!!, jamii ya kinyalu nayo yote imejaa maswali, Je nkipata umaarufu ntakua kama awali!!!, ama ntawaona wate na kwangu si mali?!” (Dad and mom questions, boyfriend and questions boyfriend and questions!!, the Mnyalu community is also full of questions, Will I be like before if I get fame!!!, or will I see them and for me they are not wealth?!”) shows that Mnyalu is aware of the challenges he will face if he becomes famous.
The line “wanatoa maneno na mifano mingi ya awali, ya watu waliopita ambao walikua mashuhuri, imebaki historia mybe kwangu kwa itajirudia? liswemwalo lipo kama halipo linajongea, eti ndugu jamaa na marafiki nita wadiss !, salam washkaji zangu itakua basi!” (they give words and many examples of the past, of people who passed who were famous, history remains maybe for me it will repeat itself? what is said exists if it is not, it is coming, eti brothers relatives and friends I will wadiss!, greetings friends it will be then!”) suggests that Mnyalu is aware of the history of people who have changed for the worse after achieving fame. He is determined to avoid making the same mistakes.
Overall, “Sintobadilika” is a powerful and inspiring song that reminds us to stay true to ourselves, even in the face of fame and success.
