The song “Baba Hazai” by Goodluck Gozbert serves as a tribute to mothers. The title translates to English as “Father Has Not Come” or more contextually “Dad Is Not Coming,” highlighting the unique burdens and endurance of mothers in child-rearing and family life.
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Mama ulibeba mimba miezi tisa
Mother you carried the pregnancy for nine months
Ulihimili maumivu ya uchungu
You endured the pain of labor
Ukachukua jukumu la baba na mama
You took on the responsibility of both father and mother
Ukasimama imara bila kukata tamaa
You stood firm without giving up
Mama ulifanya yote ili tuwe hai
Mother you did everything so we could live
Ulitufundisha maadili na hekima
You taught us morals and wisdom
Hata wakati mambo yalipokuwa magumu
Even when things were difficult
Hukuacha kamwe kututafutia riziki
You never stopped providing for us
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Mama umekuwa kimbilio letu
Mother you have been our refuge
Umetupa upendo bila mipaka
You gave us love without limits
Hata tunapokosa umetufariji
Even when we lacked, you comforted us
Umetufundisha kuamini Mungu
You taught us to trust in God
Leo tunaishi kwa sababu yako
Today we live because of you
Mama tunakushukuru kwa yote
Mother we thank you for everything
Umeweka alama isiyofutika
You have left an indelible mark
Katika mioyo yetu milele
In our hearts forever
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Baba hazai mama
Father is not coming, mother
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
Wewe ndiye uliyebaki
You are the one who remained
(Bridge/Outro repeats and ad-libs with emphasis on appreciation and call to honor mothers)
Mama tunakupenda
Mother we love you
Mama tunakushukuru
Mother we thank you
Nani kama wewe mama
Who is like you mother
Nani kama mama
Who is like mother
Baba hazai lakini Mungu yuko
Father is not coming but God is there
I’m a music blogger and lyrics translator passionate about helping listeners understand the real meaning behind songs. On this blog, I translate and explain lyrics especially African and gospel music so readers can connect with the message beyond the language.