Gokwani is a smooth, soft pop song by Makhadzi. It mixes Tshivenda and Xitsonga languages. We’re still working on translating the Xitsonga parts, but the song is all about betrayal, secrets, and one-sided love. It talks about how someone feels when they’re being kept a secret, treated like they don’t matter, and not given the respect they deserve in a relationship.

With Makhadzi’s heartfelt voice and the mellow beat, Gokwani shares the pain of being hidden away and not valued. It’s a reminder to know your self-worth and to ask for honesty and fairness in love.

Here are the key Tshivenda words and their English meanings:

• Gokwa – Armpit
• Thoho – Head
• Yanu – Your
• Kha i vhe yo lala – Let it rest/sleep
• Mazwifi – Lies
• Guma – End
• Umphura – Making (someone) look foolish/stupid
• Zwivhe – Must end
• Fhela – End/Finish
• Ni kho nngita – You are making me
• Tshidaela – A fool
• No mpanga gokwani – You’ve put me in your armpit (implying being treated like an unknown mistress)
• Inwi – You
• Mmbona – See me
• Maswiwini – In the dark

Gokwani Lyrics

Tshivenda part:

Thoho yanu kha i vhe yo lala (Let your head rest a bit)
Thoho yanu kha i vhe yo lala (Let your head rest a bit)
Mazwifi a nu a vhe o guma (Your lies must end now)
Umphura hanu zwivhe zwo fhela (You making me look stupid must end now)

Ni kho nngita tshidaela (You are making me a fool)
No mpanga gokwani (You have put me in your armpit, meaning you are making me your unknown mistress)
Inwi ni mmbona maswiwini (You only see me in the dark)

Ni kho nngita tshidaela (You are making me a fool)
No mpanga gokwani (You have put me in your armpit)
Inwi ni mmbona maswiwini (You only see me in the dark)

Ni kho nngita tshidaela (You are making me a fool)
No mpanga gokwani (You have put me in your armpit)
Inwi ni mmbona maswiwini (You only see me in the dark)