Mmmh Mbogi Genje
Mbogi genje, niko genje
Bahati...
(EMB Records)
Skiza, ni mbali nimetoka
Mawazo stress lini nitaomoka
I've seen my friends die everyday ey
Because of crime I loose my day eeh
[Guzman]
Guzuu..
Nikirise kwa ftiach ya mroko
Alini-guide nakukashifu usoro
Ady bonoko tulikashi na mnoko
Tukitapo mamkish maorosho
Never forget sheito alikua angel
Ukimdiss anakuviet na attention
Alitekeswa kipaji na underration
Na ukimkashif anajua ye ni devil
Ka riang'a siinzagi kwa mongo
Ka riang'a siinzagi kwa mongo
[Chorus: Bahati]
Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki naenda mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki naenda mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Mi nina ndoto nitoke kwa mtaa
Niwe sonko mami-ii
Niwache crime niuze na bidhaa
Kabiashara nani-ii
Mi nina ndoto ya kukuwa star
Internationally-ii
Nirudi home nibadilishe mtaa
Kwetu Mathare nani-ii
[Smady Tings]
Livity nimepitia ni ordeal
Na ndo maana youth wanasuffer nawafeel
Na ndo maana, daila mi natry kukeep it real
Siku mingi wamejaribu kuni-derail
Mbogi ndo mi nawavutishanga line
Walibaki nikachorea ku force line
Ju design nilikuwa sawa ni kama ni lime
Nikihope some day vitu zitakuwa fine
Hustle noma lakini sijajipin
Ju bidii ndio kitu ilinitoa kwa scene
Walijudge hawakumezea nimebeba dream
Na siwezi loose life ndo nipandisie king
[Chorus: Bahati]
Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki naenda mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki naenda mbali
Ni kama ndoto
[Militan]
Wholla jai rengwa zote ni kirao (Ni kirao)
Janta some kabla nijichape mboka
Ghetto youth kila gota ni kujuggle
Hawadai maghetto youth wagonye dibra
Daila ni kufruss wakiturianyu
Jahjahre nauwo tunazied gwatha
Lutu amasung sirudi manyu
Nimeviex vile rima kumeidra
Sina riang kama daila niko furda
Med zole zinaitisha surba
Ju nadai zinibebe kama ubra
Ju nadai zinibebe kama ubra
[Bahati]
Mi nina ndoto nitatoka chini
Nina ndoto mtoto wa masikini
Nina ndoto nitaenda far
Nicheze ligi ya mabingwa kama Wanyama
[Chorus: Bahati]
Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki naenda mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali
Ni kama ndoto
Ebu cheki naenda mbali
Ni kama ndoto
[Outro]
Watu wangu wa ghetto
Watu wangu wa ghetto
Mathare mashimoni
Huruma vibandani
Watu wangu wa ghetto
Watu wangu wa ghetto
Eastlando yoh yoh
Msifu moyo yoh yoh yoh
Ndoto
Ndoto Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Ndoto," a collaboration between Kenyan artist Bahati and the Gengetone group Mbogi Genje, released with its video on October 1, 2020, serves as a powerful anthem of aspiration and resilience from the streets. The song title, meaning "dream" in Swahili, immediately sets the stage for a narrative centered on the hopes and ambitions of youth growing up in challenging environments. It captures the raw reality of life in the ghetto, expressing the struggles faced daily, including poverty, crime, and the yearning for a better future.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the journey from hardship ("mbali nimetoka") towards progress and success ("naenda mbali"). Artists like Guzman, Smady Tings, and Militan from Mbogi Genje contribute their distinct voices and perspectives, primarily delivered in Sheng, a street slang prevalent in urban Kenya. This choice of language authenticates the message, making it resonate deeply with the intended audience. They speak of past difficulties, losing friends to crime, societal judgment, and the constant effort required to stay on the right path despite overwhelming odds. Phrases like "Livity nimepitia ni ordeal" (The life I've gone through is an ordeal) and the mention of navigating tough situations highlight the arduous path.
Bahati's contribution grounds the song's message in a universal theme of dreaming big regardless of one's background. His verses explicitly state the "ndoto" – the dream of escaping the streets, becoming wealthy ("sonko"), starting legitimate businesses instead of resorting to crime, and achieving international recognition as a star. He further connects this personal ambition to a desire to uplift his community, specifically mentioning his home area of Mathare, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and a commitment to giving back once successful. The comparison to footballer Victor Wanyama underscores the aspiration to reach the highest levels in one's field, a powerful symbol of achievement for many Kenyan youth.
The recurring chorus, "Ebu cheki nimetoka mbali, Ni kama ndoto; Ebu cheki naenda mbali, Ni kama ndoto," acts as the song's anchor, reinforcing the central theme. It suggests that the progress made feels surreal, almost unbelievable, given the difficult starting point, and that the future potential is equally vast and dream-like. This repetition emphasizes the magnitude of the journey and the incredible effort required to move from struggle towards success. The outro specifically names various areas within the ghetto, acknowledging the communities the song represents and speaking directly to the "Watu wangu wa ghetto" (My people from the ghetto).
Ultimately, "Ndoto" is more than just a song; it is a declaration of hope and a call to perseverance for urban youth. It acknowledges the harsh realities of their environment but simultaneously inspires them to hold onto their dreams and work towards a better tomorrow. The blend of Bahati's established appeal and Mbogi Genje's authentic street voice creates a powerful narrative that resonates with the lived experiences of many, encouraging them to believe that overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness is possible, even if it feels "kama ndoto" (like a dream).
