Kapama! Kapama! Ayy!
Happy birthday my brother John!
This is your sister singing for you, oh.
Mayo, we thank you.
In ninety-seven, the hunger was real
Kwali insala, no food for a meal
Twaliponenwe ne chipowe in the land
But Mama never gave up, she had a plan
Seventh of nine, John, you were born
On the eighth of July, a beautiful morn'
Mama went to Banani to dig wild roots
Through the thick bush, looking for fruits.
Happy birthday, John Musonda!
Happy birthday to you, Kaboke!
They shouted "Kapama!" when you arrived
By the grace of God, we all survived.
Happy birthday, John Musonda!
Blessings on your new year, my brother.
(Yoh, happy birthday!)
In the bush, labor pain started to hold
She rushed back home, so brave and so bold
She called Ba Noria, Mrs Shiyala too
Ba Ronah came running to help her pull through
They shouted "Kapama! Kapama!" with joy
Celebrating the birth of a beautiful boy
Mama, you are a blessing, we miss you today
God bless your grave, we remember your way.
Happy birthday, John Musonda!
Happy birthday to you, Kaboke!
They shouted "Kapama!" when you arrived
By the grace of God, we all survived.
Happy birthday, John Musonda!
Blessings on your new year, my brother.
This is just your genesis, oh
God bless your journey as you grow
Happy birthday, John Kapama!
(Ayy, we love you!)