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Zama Alicenjela!
Zama is great!
Zama Alicenjela!
Michael Oguttu
Vusi Malindi
Joseph Mwansa
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Kandume yandi takabuuka bwangu. Ine ndabuuka bwangu pantu nalicenjela!
My little brother sleeps very late. I wake early, because I am great!
Kandume yandi takabuuka bwangu. Ine ndabuuka bwangu pantu nalicenjela!
Nine njingisha akasuba mu ŋanda.
I am the one who lets in the sun.
Nine njingisha akasuba mu ŋanda.
Bamaayo batiila, “Uli lutanda lwandi ulwakumacaca.”
“You’re my morning star,” says Ma.
Bamaayo batiila, “Uli lutanda lwandi ulwakumacaca.”
Ndaisamba, nshifwaya wakungafwilisha.
I wash myself, I don’t need any help.
Ndaisamba, nshifwaya wakungafwilisha.
Nshitiina ameenshi ayatalala nangu sopo yanunka iyamakumbi-makumbi.
I can cope with cold water and blue smelly soap.
Nshitiina ameenshi ayatalala nangu sopo yanunka iyamakumbi-makumbi.
Bamaayo balanjibukishako abati, “Wilaba ameeno.” Na ine nayasuka nati, “Teeti ndabe ameeno.”
Ma reminds, “Don’t forget teeth.” I reply, “Never, not me!”
Bamaayo balanjibukishako abati, “Wilaba ameeno.” Na ine nayasuka nati, “Teeti ndabe ameeno.”
Panuma yakusamba, ndaposha bamaama na bamaayo-senge, no kubashalikapo bwino.
After washing, I greet Grandpa and Auntie, and wish them a good day.
Panuma yakusamba, ndaposha bamaama na bamaayo-senge, no kubashalikapo bwino.
Elyo panuma naifwika naati, “Ndi mukalamba nomba maayo.”
Then I dress myself, “I’m big now Ma,” I say.
Elyo panuma naifwika naati, “Ndi mukalamba nomba maayo.”
Ndamanga amabatani no kukaka intambo shapa nsapato.
I can close my buttons and buckle my shoes.
Ndamanga amabatani no kukaka intambo shapa nsapato.
Nshilaba ukweba kandume yandi ificitika ku sukulu.
And I make sure little brother knows all the school news.
Nshilaba ukweba kandume yandi ificitika ku sukulu.
Mu kalashi ndabombesha munshila shonse.
In class I do my best in every way.
Mu kalashi ndabombesha munshila shonse.
Ncita fyonse ifi fisuma cila bushiku. Nomba icikulu ico natemwisha, kwangala.
I do all these good things every day. But the thing I like most, is to play and play!
Ncita fyonse ifi fisuma cila bushiku. Nomba icikulu ico natemwisha, kwangala.
Written by: Michael Oguttu
Illustrated by: Vusi Malindi
Translated by: Joseph Mwansa
