Bez’s “Zuciya Daya”: A Narrative Lyrical Analysis

Several months ago, I did a series of narrative lyrical analyses on some of Asa’s songs. (I like Asa, and her songs – the lyrics, her voice, her signature ad libs, and her guitar-strumming prowess.) Someone in a similar mould is Bez Idakula who was tagged as the “the next big thing” by the Guardian and Thisday newspapers in 2008. He does a hybrid of jazz, soul, and world music – an eclectic sound he calls ‘alternative soul’. Last year the highly talented guitarist from Jos, Plateau State, finally dropped his long-awaited 15-track album, Super Sun, produced by Cobhams Asuquo, with the exception of one song by IBK, and it was worth the wait. Today, I weigh in on the Track 3.

“Zuciya Daya”, literally translated as “One Heart”, is a warm exchange between two people who emerge from two different socioeconomic strata to find a heart-connection and a common ground. It is the cliché romantic tale of ‘poor-boy’-meets-‘rich-girl’, but you just have to fall in love with the points of view and dialogue, plus the music. Ushered in by hi-hat cymbals and guitar strokes, the protagonist observes his object of interest; he wonders what she thinks, tries to feel her pulse, guesses with certainty and eventually receives words of encouragement and assurance:

VERSE 1:
She sits across the table/thoughts moving through her mind
She knows I may be yearning/ But then I have no say
She stares with tears/ She walks away/ She may be rich, I am not;
And that alone just kills the dream
“Don’t you worry ‘bout the thing,” she says
“We should both be happy, we would be together forever”
“Don’t you worry ‘bout the thing,” she says
“We should both be happy, we would be together forever.”

The chorus is garnished with five beautiful Hausa words which he repeats to admonish his lover, and whoever cares to listen. He pleads for mutual commitment to the relationship, perhaps to guard against the faintest trace of doubt and lack of faith in the longevity of such a partnership.

CHORUS:
And I’ll say these words/ “Every little thing you do;
Mu bayar da zuciya daya” [Let’s give with one heart]
Mu bayar da zuciya daya” [Let’s give with one heart]
“For you don’t know where it takes you to.”
Mu bayar da zuciya daya” [Let’s give with one heart]
Mu bayar da zuciya daya” [Let’s give with one heart]

In the second verse, he changes the point of view, as in a note to self. He highlights again the pains and heartbreaks that often accompany such relationships, like a man who persistently seeks re-assurance that all would be well, regardless of the difference in socioeconomic background.

VERSE 2:
I sit across the table/thoughts moving through my mind
I know I may be yearning/But, then I have no say
I still had tears/and, she walks away/She may be rich, I am not;
And that alone just kills the dream
“Don’t you worry ‘bout the thing,” she says
“We should both be happy; we would be together forever, baby”
“Don’t you worry ‘bout the thing,” she says
“We should both be happy; we would be together forever.”

Bez does quality music and I’m impressed by the level of details to the sound and the words. The poetry is pleasant to the ears. Nevertheless, what is your take on this track? Have you ever been caught in the rich-boy-meets-poor-girl/rich-girl-meets-poor-boy web? How did you handle it, whether it came out right or not? See you next week!

Listen to “Zuciya Daya” here: [audio:https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/03-Zuciya-Daya.mp3|titles=03 Zuciya Daya]
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Gbenga Awomodu is an Editorial Assistant at Bainstone Ltd./BellaNaija.com. When he is not reading or writing, Gbenga is listening to good music or playing the piano. Follow him on Twitter: @gbengaawomodu | Gbenga’s Notebook: www.gbengaawomodu.com | Facebook Page: Gbenga Awomodu