Lyrics by Deze
In Zimbabwean Shona music, a deze is a halved calabash gourd that an mbira is placed into to amplify its sound. It is typically round and has bottle caps, shells or other objects strung around its perimeter to vibrate with the mbira, creating a buzzing sound. Cracked deze frequently are repaired by wire stitching. Because of the size of the deze, audience members cannot see the mbira players' hands. Because of this, it is not uncommon for those who want to learn the mbira to play the hosho first, so that they can stand behind the players (in a traditional band) to see into deze and learn by observation. Modern deze are often constructed out of fiberglass and epoxy for increased durability. However, some mbira players, like Chartwell Dutiro, critique the use of fiberglass dezes in live performance. Dutiro says it compromises the resonance of the mbira and thus hinders communication with dza vadzimu (ancestral spirits).
To discover the patterns in Deze's songs, you just have to read their lyrics carefully, paying attention not just to what they say, but how they are constructed.
Analyzing the lyrics of Deze's songs can be a lot of fun and if you enjoy composing, it can help you find formulas to create your own compositions.
We hope you like these lyrics of Deze's songs, and that you find them useful.
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