golden bridge community choir

VAMUDARA –
Zimbabawe - ( Old Man)

This is a drinking song which takes the form of a drama
The community sings:
“Oh, father, oh. Mr. Old Man, you are wearing tatters! Where did you hear people are drinking, as if you had any money?”
The old man sings about beer, implying that he wants to be left alone to drink his beer.

Vamudara is a Shona Dance song with a shangara drum beat from Zimbabwe.
The song takes the form of a drama about a man who likes to drink so much that he does not care about his appearance - he wears tattered clothes and sandals made from tires . The others in the community who gather to celebrate and drink in moderation are worried about hi welfare . Rather than confront him directly the Shona will discipline each other indirectly through song. This is not intended to shame an individual but to let them know that others have taken notice and are concerned . The tone of the song is somewhat sarcastic but not meant to be cutting.