Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ifumilile kubhab’inza abho bhali bhalishilimu. Abhanhu bhenabho bhigemeja nzila ja bhatemi bhangi ija kubhatongela abhanhu bhabho bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza ukunhu bhalijibhisa ijabho kugiki bhadizujigemeja abhangi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayomba giki, “bagusoleja ab’a minza.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agimejaga ginhu kubhiye umo bhalitila bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agalondelaga kajile, nhungwa, nulu bhulamuji bho bhangi kunguno ya giki duhu abhangi bhagitaga chine. Uweyi agaikenagulaga ikaya yakwe kunguno ya gwigemeja nhungwa ja bhangi bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga na b’aminza abho bhigemejaga nzila ja bhatemi bhangi, ugubhatongela abhanhu bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza, kunguno nuweyi agimejaga nhungwa ja bhangi ugubhatongela abhanhu bhakwe mpaga oyikenagula ikaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “bagusoleja ab’a minza.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya solobho ya gubhiza ni kujo, na witegeleja ubho gudula gubhambilija gubhiza na nhungwa jawiza kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Warumi 12:2.

1 Wakorintho 11:1.

SWAHILI: WA MINZA WATAIGA.

Asili ya methali hii yaweza kufuatiliwa hadi kwa watu wa minza ambao walikuwa wajanja. Watu hawa kwa kawaida waliiga njia za wafalme wengine za kutawala watu wao huku wakificha zao ili wasiigwe na wengine. Ndiyo maana watu walisema kwamba, “wa minza wataiga.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ni mwepesi wa kuiga kile ambacho wengine wanafanya bila uelewa wa kina au tafakari ya kibinafsi. Mtu kama huyo hufuata mitindo, tabia, au maamuzi kwa sababu tu wengine wanafanya hivyo. Yeye huwapotosha wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya kuiga tabia bila kufikiria kwa makini vya kutosha kujua kilicho sahihi maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo hufanana na watu wa minza ambao waliiga njia za wafalme wengine za kutawala bila kujua kinachowahusu, kwa sababu naye pia huiga matendo mema na mabaya bila utambuzi, kama vile mtoto anayeiga kila kitu anachokiona, au umati unaoelekea upande mmoja bila kuuliza kwa nini, hadi kufikia hatua ya kuwapotosha wanafamilia wake maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “wa minza wataiga.”

Methali hiyo huwafundisha watu kuhusu: umuhimu wa hekima, uhuru, na utambuzi. Inaonya dhidi ya kuiga bila kufikiri na inawahimiza watu kufikiri kwa makini vya kutosha kuchagua kilicho sahihi, na kukuza uelewa wao wenyewe badala ya kuiga wengine tu.

Katika Biblia, Warumi 12:2 inafundisha: “Msiifuatishe mfano wa ulimwengu huu, bali mgeuzwe kwa kufanywa upya nia zenu.”

1 Wakorintho 11:1 inahimiza kuiga, lakini kwa busara: “Fuateni mfano wangu, kama mimi ninavyoiga mfano wa Kristo.”

Mfano wa Yesu Kristo unaonyesha kwamba kuiga kunapaswa kuelekezwa kwenye haki, si kwa upofu kuelekea tabia za kibinadamu.

Methali hii ya Sukuma inatukumbusha kwamba kuiga kuna nguvu kwa sababu kunaweza kujenga au kuharibu. Kwa hivyo, mtu lazima achague kwa uangalifu ni nani na nini cha kuiga.

ENGLISH: “THE MINZA PEOPLE WILL IMITATE.”

The origin of this proverbs can be traced back to the minza people who were cunning ones. These people normally imitated other kings’ ways of ruling their people while hiding theirs to be imitated by others. That is why people say “the minza people will imitate.”

This proverb is compared to a person who is quick to copy what others are doing without deep understanding or personal reflection. Such a person follows trends, behaviors, or decisions simply because others are doing so. He misleads his family members because of imitating behaviors without thinking carefully enough to know what is right in his life.

This person resembles the minza people who imitated other kings’s ways of rulling without knowing what is relevant to them, because he also imitates both good and bad actions without discernment, much like a child copying everything they see, or a crowd moving in one direction without asking why, to the point of misleading his family members in his life. That is why people tell him, “the minza people will imitate.”

This proverb teaches people about: the importance of wisdom, independence, and discernment. It warns against blind imitation and encourages people to think carefully enough to choose what is right, and develop their own understanding instead of merely copying others.

In the Bible, Romans 12:2 teaches: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 encourages imitation, but wisely: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

The example of Jesus Christ shows that imitation should be directed toward righteousness, not blindly toward human behavior.

This Sukuma proverb reminds us that imitation is powerful because it can build or destroy. Therefore, one must choose carefully whom and what to imitate.

Ujibundulila oli ningi o mbina za kale uyo wimbaga mimbo ayo gimbagwa umulikuminga lya bhanhu, umumamilimo ya bhuyegi na mulikanza lya gwilomela majigano. Amimbo gakwe genayo, galangaga bhanhu gwikala chiza, na gubhahugula umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagagitana amimbo gakwe genayo giki, “ndingo ja mimbo ga ng’wa jibundulila.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina witegeleja bho guyomba mihayo ya gubhambilija bhanhu umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agayombaga mihayo iyo igabhalangaga abhiye gwigulambija kutumama milimo na gwikala chiza na bhichabho, kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho umukikalile kakwe kenako. Uweyi agadulaga ugubhalela chiza abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe yiniyo kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe ubho guyomba mihayo miza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu ningi uyo wimbaga mimbo gagubhalanga bhanhu gwikala chiza na bhichabho, kunguno nuweyi agayombaga mihayo ya gubhalanga gwikala chiza abhanhu bhakwe umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhenabho bhagiitanaga imihayo yakwe yiniyo giki, “ndingo ja mimbo ga ng’wa jibundulila.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kudebha solobho ya kudegeleka na witegeleja bho guidebha imihayo iyo iliyombwa na bhichabho kugiki bhadule kutumama milimo yabho chiza na kupandika matwajo mingi umukaya jabho jinijo.

Mithali 1:5–6.

Mathayo 13:34.

1 Nyakati 16:23-25.

1 Nyakati 16:8-9.

Zaburi 40:9.

Warumi 10:15.

SWAHILI: UJUMBE WA NYIMBO ZA JIBUNDULILA.

Katika utamaduni wa Wasukuma, Jibundulila alikuwa kiongozi wa ngoma za jadi ambaye nyimbo zake ziliimbwa wakati wa mikusanyiko ya kijamii kama vile sherehe, au wakati wa kusimulia hadithi. Nyimbo zake si za burudani tu; bali pia zinabeba ujumbe wa kina kuhusu maisha, maadili ya jamii, na marekebisho ya kijamii. Methali hii “ujumbe wa nyimbo za Jibundulila” huashiria hekima na mafundisho yaliyofichwa ndani ya nyimbo hizo.

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huzungumza kwa njia isiyo ya moja kwa moja lakini kwa busara ya kutosha kuwafundisha wengine kwa kutokabiliana na masuala hadharani bali kwa kutumia hadithi, nyimbo, au methali kuwasilisha ukweli. Mtu huyu hutumia maneno yake kwa kuwafundisha wengine jinsi ya kufanya kazi kwa bidii na kuishi vyema kwa sababu ya hekima yake maishani. Yeye hufanikiwa katika kuwalea wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo ambayo huwaelimisha wengine jinsi ya kuishi vizuri na kufanya kazi kwa bidii maishani.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule kiongozi wa ngoma za jadi aliyeimba nyimbo zilizowafundisha watu jinsi ya kuishi vizuri kwa sababu naye pia huchagua maneno kwa uangalifu wa kutosha kufundisha, kurekebisha, au kuwaonya wengine bila ya kusababisha migogoro. Kama mwimbaji Jibundulila, maneno yake hutoa masomo muhimu kwa njia iliyofichika na isiyosahaulika. Ndiyo maana watu huyaita maneno yake hayo kwamba ni “ujumbe wa nyimbo za Jibundulila.”

Methali hii huwapa watu wazo la umuhimu wa kusikiliza kwa makini na kuelewa maana za ndani zaidi ya kile kinachosemwa au kuimbwa. Yenyewe huwakumbusha watu kwamba hekima mara nyingi hufichwa katika sanaa, utamaduni, na mila, na kwamba ujumbe unaokusudiwa kufundisha watu kuwa na tabia njema, huenda usiwe wa moja kwa moja kila wakati.

Mithali 1:5–6. Katika Kitabu cha Mithali, hekima mara nyingi hutolewa kupitia misemo mifupi na lugha ya ishara kwa kuwatia moyo watu kutafuta uelewa wa kina zaidi.

Mathayo 13:34. Yesu Kristo pia alifundisha kwa mifano kwa kutumia hadithi kuwasilisha ukweli wa kiroho kwa wale walio tayari kutafakari na kuelewa.

Katika Kitabu cha Zaburi, nyimbo hutumika kuelezea ujumbe kuhusu Mungu, maisha, na mwenendo wa mwanadamu, kama vile nyimbo za Jibundulila zinavyobeba mafundisho ndani ya mashairi yake.

Ujumbe wa nyimbo za Jibundulila unatukumbusha kwamba si ukweli wote unaosemwa waziwazi baadhi ya masomo yenye nguvu zaidi huja kupitia muziki, utamaduni, na tafakari.

ENGLISH: THE MESSAGE OF THE SONGS OF JIBUNDULILA

In Sukuma culture, Jibundulila was traditional dance leader whose songs were sung during communal gatherings such as dances, ceremonies, or storytelling moments. His songs are not merely for entertainment; they carry deep messages about life, morality, community values, and social correction. The proverb “the message of the songs of Jibundulila” points to the hidden wisdom and teachings embedded in such songs.

This proverb is compared to a person who speaks indirectly but wisely enough to teach others by not confronting issues openly but using stories, songs, or proverbs to communicate truth. This person uses his words to teach others on how to work hard and behave because of his wisdom in life. He becomes successefull in nurturing his family members because of his wisdom which educates others on how to behave and work hard in life.

This person resembles the traditional dance leader who sang songs which taught people on how to live well because he also choses words carefully enough to teach, correct, or warn others without causing conflict. Like the singer of Jibundulila, his words pass on important lessons in a subtle and memorable way. That is why people call his words “the message of the songs of Jibundulila.”

This proverb imparts in people an idea of the importance of listening carefully and understanding deeper meanings beyond what is spoken or sung. It reminds people that wisdom is often hidden in art, culture, and tradition, and that messages meant to guide behavior may not always be direct.

Proverbs 1:5–6. In the Book of Proverbs, wisdom is often given through short sayings and symbolic language by encouraging people to seek deeper understanding.

Matthew 13:34. Jesus Christ also taught in parables by using stories to convey spiritual truths to those willing to reflect and understand.

In the Book of Psalms, songs are used to express messages about God, life, and human conduct, much like Jibundulila songs carry teachings within their lyrics.

The message of the songs of Jibundulila reminds us that not all truth is spoken plainly some of the most powerful lessons come through music, culture, and reflection.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ihoyelile munhu uyo agajimija mbuli yakwe iyo yaliyapi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agandya guyichola imbuli yakwe bhujiku uduma uguyibhona kunguno ya bhupi bho bhoyo ubho wikolile ni giti ya bhujiku bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki “imbuli yapi icholage limi lidinalib’ila.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agakelejaga ugutumama imilimo yakwe mpaka lyabhita ilikanza lya guitumamama imilimo yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikalaga wilendejije bho wigwasha ulu lyashiga ilikanza lya gwandya kutumama milimo guti gulima mpaka nose lyapita kunguno ya bhukeleja bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agadumaga ugupandika ijiliwa aha kaya yakwe mpaga ogukoya na nzala kunguno ya wilendeja bho gutumama milimo yakwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nuyo agajimija mbuli yakwe yapi uyichola bhujiku mpaka uduma uguyibhona, kuguno nuweyi agakelejaga ugutumama imilimo yakwe mpaga lyapita ilikanza lya guitumama imilimo yiniyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “imbuli iyapi icholage limi lidinalib’ila.”

Ulusumo lunuyo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na witegeleja bho gwanguya kuitumama imilimo yabho ulu lyashiga ilikanza lyayo, kugiki bhadule kupandika matwajo mingi, umukaya jabho.

Mathayo 24:42-44.

Mathayo 5:14-16.

Luka 11:33-36.

KISWAHILI: MBUZI MTAFUTE KABLA JUA HALIJAZAMA.

Methali hii ya Kisukuma hutokana na maisha ya kitamaduni ya kijijini ambapo mifugo, hasa mbuzi, walithaminiwa sana. Mbuzi mweusi ni vigumu kumwona, hasa mwanga wa jua unapofifia. Akipotea lazima atafutwe mapema kabla ya jua kutua wakati bado kuna mwanga wa kutosha. Kusubiri hadi giza liingie hufanya kazi iwe ngumu zaidi, kama si haiwezekani. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia yule aliyepoteza mbuzi hiyo kwamba, “tafuta mbuzi mweusi kabla ya jua kutua.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa na mtu anayechelewesha majukumu au maamuzi muhimu kwa kufikiri kwamba kutakuwa na muda zaidi baadaye. Mtu huyu huchelewesha kufanya maamuzi ya kuteyatekeleza majukumu yake kwa kufanya mambo mengine ambayo si ya lazima sana kwa sababu ya kutokuwa mwangalifu sana maishani mwake. Yeye hushindwa kupata mahitaji ya msingi katika familia yake kwa sababu ya kuchelewa kwake kufanya kazi zake maishani mwake.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule aliyemtafuta mbuzi mweusi baada ya jua kutua hadi wakashindwa kumuona, kwa sababu naye pia huchelewesha kutimiza majukumu yake hadi anashindwa kupata mafanikio katika family yake, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mtafute mbuzi mweusi kabla jua halijazama.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu kutenda haraka kwa kutochelewesha mambo muhimu ili waweze kutumia fursa zao wakati bado zinapatikana vya kutosha kuwapatia mafanikio katika maisha yao. Zaidi ya hayo, huwataka watu wawe na hekima ya kutosha kupanga na kusimamia majukumu yao kabla hali hazijazidi kuwa mbaya kwa sababu muda uliopotea hauwezi kupatikana.

Mhubiri 9:10 – “Lolote mkono wako utakalopata kulifanya, lifanye kwa nguvu zako zote…”

Yohana 9:4 – “Lazima tufanye kazi zake Yeye aliyenituma maadamu ni mchana; usiku unakuja ambapo hakuna mtu awezaye kufanya kazi.”

Mithali 6:6–8 – Mfano wa chungu akijiandaa mapema

Wagalatia 6:9 – Kutiwa moyo kutochoka kutenda mema kwa wakati unaofaa.

Mathayo 24:42-44.

Mathayo 5:14-16.

Luka 11:33-36.

Maandiko haya, kama methali, yanasisitiza kutenda kwa wakati, bidii, na umuhimu wa kutoahirisha kile kinachopaswa kufanywa.

ENGLISH: FIND A BLACK GOAT BEFORE THE SUN SETS.

This Sukuma proverb comes from traditional village life where livestock, especially goats, were highly valued. A black goat is difficult to see, particularly as daylight fades. If it strays or gets lost, it must be searched for early before sunset while there is still enough light. Waiting until darkness falls makes the task much harder, if not impossible. Thus, the proverb arose as a practical warning about urgency and timing saying “find a black goat before the sun sets.”

This proverb is compared to a person who delays important responsibilities or decisions by thinking that there will always be more time later. This person delays doing his responsibilities by doing other things which are not so necessary because of not being so carefully in his life. He fails to get basic needs at his family because of delaying to do his works in his life.

This person resembles the one who looked for a black goat after sun setting until it was already too late to see it, as conditions had become unfavorable. In the same way, he also delays fulfilling his responsibilities until it is too late in his life. That is why people tell him “find a black goat before the sun sets.”

This proverb teaches people about acting promptly by not delaying important matters so that they can use their opportunities while they are still available enough to be successfully in their lives. Besides, it calls them to be wise enough to plan and manage responsibilities before situations worsen because the time lost cannot be recovered.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”

John 9:4 – “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”

Proverbs 6:6–8 – The example of the ant preparing in advance.

Galatians 6:9 – Encouragement not to grow weary in doing good at the right time.

Matthew 24:42-44.

Matthew 5:14-16.

Luke 11:33-36.

These scriptures, like the proverb, emphasize acting in time, diligence, and the importance of not postponing what must be done.