DAR ES SALAAM: POETIC Swahili lyrics speak the best of Tanzanian love affairs as the country joins the globe to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Though there is no particular song picked as a neonsign for this year’s celebration, still the hits by Zuchu, Diamond Platinumz, Mbosso, Jay Melody, and Nandy seem to command the helm in radio airwaves, television stations and noisy bodaboda riders found in big and small centres countrywide.
Still Zuchu seems to be the best in the lovely hit parade with Bado Nakupenda, and she is being challenged by Mboso’s Darasa la Saba.
Also a hot contender in today’s Valentine Hit parade is Natulizana by the Tanzanian mega star, Diamond Platinumz, who is being challenged by Oluwa penned by Marioo.
Zuchu is always on stage, and this time she has collaborated with D Voice in a hit titled Baridi.
It has been a tradition for Tanzanian to have a hit that best describes the Valentine Day.
Pressure by Hafsa Kazinja and Banana Zorro, Zuwena reworked by Mr Paul, are among the forerunners of Valentine’s Day’s special songs.
Valentine’s Day is here, but who told society that the celebration is just between people who have romantic relationships? What about our siblings, sons and daughters, parents, don’t they love to be shown love and lavished with all the love cards, chocolates, and flowers, and be spoiled??
It would be more wonderful if we could shift the focus and use the day to mend and strengthen relationships within family members, friends and loved ones.
Imagine, a child who is in the boarding school receiving a special present from his or parents with love confessions to them, imagine a daughter sending a package to her father full of flowers with a message of appreciation for his care, love and protection and a boy doing the same to the mothers. This is more than romantic; it is marvelous.
I shouldn’t be quoted wrongly, like someone who is against romantic relationships. No. But I would like us to go beyond that; this love shouldn’t be limited. Let us open doors for this other angle and champion it and promote it as we do with the other love.
All we see is couples printing t-shirts of themselves with love professions in it, but we can do the same for our mothers and fathers. Uncles, grandparents, friends and special people who have contributed something positive in our lives.
Those grandparents in the village, when last did we send them something touchy, spoil them beyond the flattery words we speak to them daily on our phone calls?? We can do better.
ALSO READ: VALENTINE’S DAY IN TANZANIA: Love, inequality and the cost of expectations
I think this day, February 14 can be used to show how family members take themselves out and not just lovers. Love is not limited; let us make it flow and see how beautiful it is.
Well, this famous spoken Valentine’s Day, a day of love, romance, and sweetness overload! But have you ever wondered how it all started? Let’s dive into the history and meaning behind this lovey-dovey holiday.
Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Rome, where a priest named St Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage. Legend has it that St Valentine continued to perform secret marriages, getting arrested and eventually executed on February 14th while in prison, he wrote a letter to his loved one, signing off with “From your Valentine” .
Fast forward to the 18th century, and Valentine’s Day became a popular celebration in England, with people exchanging handmade cards and gifts. Today, it’s a global phenomenon, with people showing love and appreciation for their partners, friends, and family.
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love, affection, and appreciation. It’s a chance to express your feelings, show gratitude, and strengthen bonds. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, it’s a day to spread love and kindness.