Mbewa zagwa
Here is a finger rhyme…
Mbewa zagwa
The Mice Have Fallen
Finger Play
Finger Play
(Chichewa)
(English)
Mbewa zagwa;
Zagweranji?
Zagwera mapira;
Ndikazikumbe;
Ndiopa uluma.
"Mzanga Likongwa,
Ali kukaku;
Amanga mpanda;
Ndikamtandize;
Wata Kale.
The mice have fallen;
Why have they fallen?
They have fallen on the millet;
I go dig them out;
I'm afraid of being bitten.
My friend Mr. Weasel,
He is at the chief's house;
He builds a fence;
I go help him;
He's finished long ago.
Notes
Please email me to let us know if you're familiar with this rhyme in current day Malawi. Thanks! Mama Lisa
Thanks and Acknowledgements
This rhyme can be found in "Children of Africa" (1910) by James B. Baird.
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