Oliver Mtukudzi - Neria

As the BBC's Connected Africa Day focuses on Africa's new broadband connectivity, Network Africa sessions step in to provide you with the opportunity to really test the new technology by watching the great Zimbabwean singer and guitarist, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi performing two tracks live in our Bush House studios.

This classic track, Neria is about the strength of women and how they should take their place and not feel inferior to men.

[tatm]

Lyrics (Translated from Shona)

Neria, Neria oooohh
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

God is with you, Neria
God is with you

Losing your husband, sister
requires that you be of strong heart
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

God is with you, Neria
God is with you

Neria, Neria oooohh
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

God is with you, Neria
God is with you

Life is full of twists and turns
Beware of winds bringing trials/tribulations
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

God is with you, Neria
God is with you

Women are often treated as slaves
Living life like orphans
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

Be brave, oh heart, be brave
God is with you

Death is so jealous
Splitting up loved ones
Don't lose heart, my sister
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

Persevere, oh Neria
God is with you

Neria, Neria oooohh
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you
Don't lose heart, Neria
God is with you

Persevere, oh Neria
God is with you

[tendaie]

I’m leaving this comment so that whenever someone like it I will come back and listen to this masterpiece again. RIP Tuku!

[qcbdlge]

Dear brothers an sister who is with me In 2024

[njabulomaphumulo]

Be honest, this song didn't appear on your "recommend list" but you personally searched it.

Timeless music 🎶👌

[marymalyamba]

Because the last time I commented no one liked my comment for me to come check it again 😌, he's truly a legend

[janetkruger]

I'm south african, in Australia in 2023....and this beautiful song always makes me shed a tear.

[thee_adriel]

I am Zambian but I always loved Zim🇿🇼 Music before I could even understand Shona. I ended up marrying a Shona Woman😍
🇿🇲x🇿🇼=♥️

[phindilekhumalo]

I love this song without understanding a word. Proves that music is truly a universal language

[imaninobertkaihula]

Me again this year 2024
Getting a confort from a legend TUKU (RIP) from Tanzania 🇹🇿 With Love

[santymedia]

Still a hit in 2023. African Music, African Culture, African giant. Listened to from Zambia.

[femikayvibelord]

I'm Nigerian but this song forever remains a classic. Reminds me of someone too

[Kijana-wa-Tanzania]

Who else is here in this 2021?! RIP legend...!

[armaanpasha]

Beautiful voice and sweet sweet melody. Rest in peace, Oliver Mtukudzi.
— Love from Pakistan

[frenchteachersharon]

This song brought me up, I'm 19 now and I'm never ashamed to listen to it when my age mates are listening to hip-hop🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼❤️❤️❤️❤️RIP

[juriunlameyer]

This might arguably be the most beautiful song ever written and performed.

[rozahkeah]

Who else is here in 2020
I've known this man since I was born, its so emotional for me but his music will always play in my heart, May you rest well Sir.The greatest in our generation. Salute,

[cosmasmaiyo]

Playing this song on a guitar sounds so emotional . We lost a legend. Listening 2021 from Nairobi Kenya 🇰🇪

[ClarksonOdima]

I would like to thank my Dad for allowing me to listen to this song great motivation RIP MY MUSICAL HERO.

[abhishekrajput]

I am from India. I don't know exactly what you are singing. But your voice & music is touching the heart gradually.

[Akeyknee]

Rest in peace Oliver, , , , we will forever love you