Zuchu, the Tanzanian singer and WCB artist, released her song “Kwikwi” in October 2023. The song is a catchy, danceable tune that has quickly become a hit in Tanzania and beyond.
The lyrics of “Kwikwi” tell the story of a woman who is deeply in love with a man who is not treating her well. She is desperate to keep him in her life, but she knows that he is capable of hurting her.
The song begins with Zuchu describing the physical pleasure she experiences when she is with her lover. She sings, “Hedi kudo, umeduso / Ilivyolonga inakwangua makoko / Haiombi chudo / Ona nitakufa / Wasunami najaribu tandiko / Aweeee banaaaaa.” (English translation: “Oh, my love, you’re so good / Your length is rubbing against my clitoris / It doesn’t need a condom / I’m going to die / I’m trying to adjust the pillow / Oh, my God!”)
However, Zuchu is also aware of the pain that her lover is causing her. She sings, “Kukwikwikwi nitalia / Kukwikwikwi ukiniachilia / Kukwikwikwi nitalia / Kukwikwikwi soko unavyonipatia.” (English translation: “I’m going to cry / I’m going to cry if you leave me / I’m going to cry / I’m going to cry because of the pain you’re causing me.”)
In the second verse, Zuchu asks her lover to remember the promises he made to her. She sings, “Tena uzikumbuke ahadi / Zile ulizonigea / Mapenzi vita wee ndo Gadi / Vipi utanitetea.” (English translation: “Please remember the promises you made to me / The promises you lied to me about / Love is a war and you’re the general / How are you going to protect me?”)
She also warns her lover that he will regret leaving her. She sings, “Usiruhusu wadakaji / Wakaanza kukuzoea / Unawajua mafisadi / Watapata chakunisemea.” (English translation: “Don’t let the predators / Start getting used to you / You know the corrupt people / They’ll have something to say about me.”)
In the bridge, Zuchu sings about the pain she will feel if her lover leaves her. She sings, “Akili itazunguka zunguka / Zungukua zunguka / Itazunguka / Ukiniacha mwenzako.” (English translation: “My mind will spin / It will spin / It will spin / If you leave me.”)
She also sings about the sacrifices she has made for her lover. She sings, “Maana nitaumbuka umbuka / Umbuka umbuka / Nitaumbuka / Yote kwa ajiri yako.” (English translation: “Because I’ll be humiliated / Humiliated / I’ll be humiliated / All for your sake.”)
The song ends with Zuchu begging her lover to stay with her. She sings, “Kukwikwikwi nitalia / Kukwikwikwi ukiniachilia / Kukwikwikwi nitalia / Kukwikwikwi soko unavyonipatia.” (English translation: “I’m going to cry / I’m going to cry if you leave me / I’m going to cry / I’m going to cry because of the pain you’re causing me.”)
“Kwikwi” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the universal experience of love, loss, and desperation. Zuchu’s raw vocals and passionate delivery make the song even more impactful.
The song has been praised by critics and fans alike. It has been nominated for several awards, including the “Song of the Year” award at the Tanzania Music Awards. Stream below;
