SYNOPSIS

"Nasi Nabali" by Tshala Muana is a song that celebrates the joy and new identity that come with marriage. The title, Nasi Nabali, translates to "I Am Married," sets the stage for the entire theme.

In the song, Mamu International addresses her friends, declaring that she is no longer single. She proudly announces that she has found her man and now wears a ring on her finger. She asks her friends and other admirers to respect her new status, telling them to stop winking at her or acting as if she's still available.

The song emphasizes that marriage is a source of pride and honor for a woman.
The lyrics use metaphors like a piece of metal looking better when it's painted to express that a woman's true beauty and value are elevated through marriage. The narrator refers to her husband as her "associate in love" and her "partner," highlighting the deep connection and companionship they share.

Overall, "Nasi Nabali" is a powerful anthem about newfound dignity, respect, and commitment that a woman experiences after getting married.

NASI NABALI LYRICS

1) Baninga eh, nga si nabali.
(Friends, I am married.)
Baninga eh nga si nabali oh.
(Friends, I am married.)
Botika kofinela nga miso ngo na nzela.
(Stop winking eyes when I pass.)
Botika kofinela nga misombo ya ba amoureux.
(Stop winking eyes.)
Nazui ya ngai mobali eh.
(I found my man.)

2) Yanga lopete ekoti na mosapi.
(My ring is on my finger.)
Ba nzela ya kala nioso nga nasi natiki.
(I am now a new person.)
Botika kofinela nga miso ngo ya ba amoureux.
(Stop winking eyes.)
Na zui ya ngai mobali eh, bopesa ngai kilo na nzoto eh.
(I found my man; you need to respect me.)
Na zui ya ngai mobali eh, bopesa ngai kilo na nzoto eh.
(I found my man; you need to respect me.)

Instrumental

3) Baninga eh nga si nabali.
(Friends, I am married.)
Baninga he nga si nabali oh.
(Friends, I am married.)
Botika kofinela nga miso ngo na nzela.
(Stop winking eyes when I pass.)
Botika kofinela nga misombo ya ba amoureux.
(Stop winking eyes.)
Nazui ya ngai mobali eh.
(I found my man.)

4) Yanga lopete ekoti na mosapi.
(My ring is on my finger.)
Ba nzela ya kala nioso nga nasi natiki.
(I am now a new person.)
Botika kofinela nga misombo ya ba amoureux.
(Stop winking eyes)
Na zui ya ngai mobali eh, bopesa ngai kilo na nzoto.
(I found my man; you need to respect me.)
Na zui ya ngai mobali eh, bopesa ngai kilo na nzoto.
(I found my man; you need to respect me.)

5) Lokumu ya mwasi nzoka nde makwela eh.
(A woman’s pride arises when she is married.)
Se makwela,
Na zui yanga associé na bolingo mama, eh, eh, eh.
(I found my associate.)

6) Lokumu ya mwasi nzoka nde lopete na mosapi.
(A woman’s pride is a ring on the finger.)
Se makwela
Na zwi yanga lelo ngo molongani mama, eh, eh, eh.
(I found my partner today.)

7) Lokumu ya mwasi nzoka nde makwela.
(A woman’s pride arises when she is married.)
Se makwela
Na zui yanga associé na bolingo mama eh, eh, eh.
(I found my associate.)

8) Lokumu ya mwasi nzoka nde lopete na mosapi.
Se makwela
(A woman’s pride is a ring on the finger.)
Na zwi yanga lelo ngo molongani mama eh, eh, eh.
(I found my partner today.)

Instrumental

9) Linzanza libonga nde na langi.
(A piece of metal looks better when it is painted.)
Ya solo baloba mwasi a bongi na mobali.
(It is true; it is known that a woman is better off if she is married.)
Linzanza libonga nde na langi.
(A piece of metal looks better when it is painted.)
Ya solo baloba lukumu ya mwasi makweka.
(It is true; it is known that a woman is better off if she is married.)

10) Lokumu ya mwasi nzoka nde makwela eh.
(A woman’s pride arises when she is married.)
Se makwela
Na zui yanga associé na bolingo mama, eh, eh, eh.
(I found my associate.)
Lokumu ya mwasi nzoka nde lopete na mosapi,
(A woman’s pride is a ring on the finger.)
Se makwela.
Na zui yanga lelo ngo molongani mama, eh, eh, eh.
(I found my partner today.)

By Jerome Ogola