Subject: Kenya / Resource Type: text - UCLA Library Digital Collections Search Results

Tunda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau linahusu kuzaliwa kwa mtoto wake wa kwanza aliyeitwa Fathi. Analinganisha kupokea zawadi hiyo kutoka kwa Mungu na matunda ambayo wanadamu wamebarikiwa nayo. Shairi linazungumza juu ya matamanio ya Ustadh Mau kupata "tunda" ambapo siku hiyo alibarikiwa tunda kwa umbo la mtoto wake. Anamshukuru Mungu kwa zawadi hii ya uhai na anaomba kwamba mtoto wake akue na afya njema na kulindwa na Mungu. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau is about the birth of his first-born child named Fathi. He compares the receiving of such a gift from God to the fruits that humanity is blessed with (tunda translating to fruit). The poem speaks on Ustadh Mau's yearning for "fruit" which that day he received in the form of his baby. He thanks God for this gift of life and prays that his son will grow up to be healthy and protected by God.
Date:: October 10, 1976
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kimya ndio nembo yangu

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili juu ya umuhimu wa kujua wakati wa kukaa kimya. Anabainisha kuwa unapoambiwa uvumi kuhusu jambo au mtu fulani ni vyema ukanyamaza na kutoingilia kwani kujihusisha na mambo hayo ni tabia ya kukosa heshima. Anaandika kwamba ikiwa kuzungumza kunaweza kuonekana kama pesa basi ukimya ungekuwa dhahabu. Anaandika jinsi angependelea kujiuma ulimi na kutozungumza badala ya kusema na kujiingiza katika hali ngumu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem on the importance of knowing when to stay silent. He notes that when being told rumours about something or someone it is best to keep quiet and not interfere as engaging in such things is disrespectful behaviour. He writes that if talking could be seen as money then silence would be gold. He writes how he would rather bite his tongue and not speak as opposed to speaking and possibly getting into difficult situations.
Date:: October 7, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ufisadi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa na Abdalla Soud Maawiya. Shairi hili ni jibu la shairi ambalo Ustadh Mau aliwahi kuliandika kuhusu ufisadi na pia liliandikwa kama mashairi ya mazoezi ya Abdalla Soud Maawiya mwenyewe. Katika shairi hilo, anasisitiza kwamba ufisadi ni jambo la ulimwengu wote na si jambo mahususi kwa Kenya. Anasema pia kwamba ni wakoloni wa Magharibi ambao kwanza waliwafundisha watu ufisadi na hongo halisi ni nini, pamoja na dhana kwamba wanasiasa wengi ni mithili ya watangulizi wao. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Abdalla Soud Maawiya. The poem is a response to a poem that Ustadh Mau had previously written about corruption and also written as practice poetry for Abdalla Soud Maawiya himself. In the poem, he makes the point that corruption is a universal thing and not a phenomenon specific to Kenya. He also argues that it was the Western colonizers who first taught people what true corruption and bribery was, as well as the notion that most politicians are replicas of their predecessors.
Date:: September 8, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Arafat

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau limeandikwa kwa mtazamo wa Madam Sauda, mke wa pili wa Ustadh Mau. Madam Sauda alikuwa ameenda kuhiji na anamuita Mola kumwambia kuwa amefika mahali pake patakatifu katika shairi hili, akitokea sehemu ya mbali. Anamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu ayakubali maombi yake, kama vile kutamani watoto wake wakue na kuwa watu wema na wachamungu na umma wa Kiislamu uwe na nguvu na umoja. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau is written from the perspective of Madam Sauda, Ustadh Mau's second wife. Madam Sauda had gone for hajj and she calls to the Lord saying she has arrived at his holy place in this poem, coming from a faraway place. She prays for Allah to accept her prayers, such as the wish that her children will grow up to be good and pious people and for the Muslim community (ummah) to be strong and united.
Date:: December 29, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Waqti

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia umuhimu wa kuchunga wakati usitupite ovyo ovyo. Lazima tutumie kila dakika ipaswavyo kwani kila mda ukienda haurudi. Ustadh Mau anakumbuka beti moja kwa moyo "mapigo ya moyo wa binadamu ni ukumbusho kwamba maisha ni dakika na sekunde". ENGLISH: This poem is about the importance of time and being aware of the passing of time and not letting it pass unknowingly. The poem emphasizes that we should make every minute count since once time passes it cannnot be recovered again. Ustadh Mau still remembers one of the verses by heart ("the heart beat of a human being reminds the heart that in fact life is all about minutes and seconds").
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kiswahili

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi moja mashuhuri la Ustadh Mau linaloitwa kiswahili, linazungumzia umuhimu wa kiSwahili kwa waswahili. Ustadh Mau aliingiwa na motisha wa kuandika shairi hili baada ya kusoma gazeti la Taifa Leo lililokua gazeti pekee la kiswahili wakati huo nchini Kenya. Kwenye gazeti kulionesha kulikuwa na warsha ya kiSwahili na kwenye picha hakukuonekana mswahili asili hata mmoja. Kwenye shairi Ustadh Mau amewanukuu malenga wa kiswahili mashuhuri kama Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy, Bwana Zahidi Ngumi na Mwengu Athmani. Shairi hili limeandikwa kwa mtindo wa ubinafsishaji. Mama kiSwahili analalamika jinsi wanae (waswahili halisi) walivyo kipuuza kiSwahili mpaka kunakiliwa na kuekwa viwango kwa kiSwahili kumetawaliwa na wageni wasiokuwa waswahili. KiSwahili kinaita wanawae wawe ni wenye kukiwajibikia na kukitilia juhudi kama zamani. Shairi hili limeshachapishwa: “Kiswahili: a poem by Mahmoud Ahmad Abdulkadir, to which is appended a list of the poet’s compositions in verse.” Swahili Forum 20: (2013) 1–18. ENGLISH: One of Ustadh Mau's most famous poems, ''Kiswahili'' discusses the importance of the Swahili language for the Swahili people. Ustadh Mau was inspired to write this after reading an article in Taifa Leo, the only Swahili-language based newspaper published in Kenya. The article was about a workshop about the Swahili language and included a picture with no apparent native Swahili speakers. In the poem Ustadh Mau draws on famous Swahili poets such as Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy, Bwana Zahidi Ngumi and Mwengu Athmani. It is written from the perspective of a personified Swahili. ''Mother Swahili'' criticizes the way her children (native Swahili speakers of the coast) have long neglected the language and that the documentation and standardization of Swahili has been dominated by foreigners instead. It calls on her children to make an active effort for Kiswahili again. This is a published poem: “Kiswahili: a poem by Mahmoud Ahmad Abdulkadir, to which is appended a list of the poet’s compositions in verse.” Swahili Forum 20: (2013) 1–18.
Date:: July 30, 2003
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Al-Aqswaa

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili ambalo limepewa jina la Al-Aqsa, likirejelea msikiti maarufu uliopo Jerusalem, linahusu masaibu ya Waislamu kupigania Palestini. Ustadh Mau anaitaka jamii ya Kiislamu ya kimataifa itambue dhulma wanayofanyiwa na nchi za Magharibi na hasa zaidi dhulma wanazokabiliana nazo Wapalestini kutoka kwa Wazayuni. Anaeleza jinsi majeshi ya Marekani na Kizayuni yanavyokusudia kuwaangamiza Waislamu na hivyo basi kuuacha msikiti wa Al-Aqsa bila watoto wa kuulinda. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa msikiti huo muhimu sana ni jukumu la Waislamu wote na hivyo basi jamii inapaswa kuwafahamisha watoto wao yanayojiri Palestini na dunia nzima ili waweze kuelewa mambo yanayoendelea duniani. Tazama pia shairi linalofanana na hili; umada_ms_00072, yenye jina la "Qudsi" ENGLISH: This poem which is titled Al-Aqsa, referring to the famous mosque located in Jerusalem, is about the Muslim plight to fight for the Palestinian cause. Ustadh Mau urges the international Muslim community to be aware of the injustices done to them by Western powers and more specifically the injustices Palestinians face at the hands of Zionists. He describes how American and Zionist forces are intending to exterminate Muslims and consequently leave Al-Aqsa mosque without children to protect it. Ustadh Mau notes that this highly important mosque is the responsibility of all Muslims and that therefore the community should be informing their chilren on what is happening in Palestine and the world at large, so that they may understand what is going on in the world. See also similar poem; umada_ms_00072, titled "Al-Maqdis".
Date:: August 15, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kabila za waswahili na mbari zao

Description:: SWAHILI: Hati hii ni mukhtasari wa makabila ya Waswahili na familia mashuhuri katika ukanda wa pwani ya Afrika Mashariki. Iliandikwa na mwanazuoni maarufu wa pwani Sheikh Ahmed Nabhani, ambaye alitoka Lamu. ENGLISH: This document is an overview of Swahili ethnic groups and prominent families along the coastal region of East Africa. It was written by famous coastal scholar Sheikh Ahmed Nabhani, who was from Lamu.
Date:: March 24, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya mwanamke anayeitwa Khadija ili kutoa shukrani kwa watu waliochangisha fedha katika siku za mwisho za Ramadhani. Mchango huu ulikuwa wa kuwasaidia maskini na pia watoto yatima ili waweze kupata nguo mpya kwa ajili ya Eid. Shairi hilo linawashukuru na kuwaombea wafadhili hao ili Mungu azidi kuwabariki na kuwalinda na uovu wowote. ENGLISH: This poem was written on behalf of a lady called Khadija to give thanks to the people who raised some funds during the last days of Ramadhan. This donation was to help the poor and also the orphaned children so that they can get new clothes for Eid. The poem thanks and prays for the contributors for God to bless them more and to protect them from any evil.
Date:: August 18, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yondi la nyonda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe Sauda ambaye alikwenda safarini. Shairi linaeleza jinsi anavyotamani uwepo wake na jinsi anavyohisi huzuni kwa sababu ya umbali huo. Anaeleza jinsi alivyotambua mapenzi yake yalivyokuwa mazito kwake baada ya muda na anamsihi arudi haraka kwani hawezi kuzuia hamu yake tena. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife Sauda who went away on a trip. The poem expresses how much he misses her presence and how he feels sadness because of this distance. He describes how he realized how deep his love has become for her over time and urges her to come back quickly as he cannot contain his longing for her anymore.
Date:: December 21, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nyonda hizi ndaajabu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe. Ni shairi la kimapenzi, linaloelezea upendo wake na kushikamana kwake. Anaelezea jinsi jina lake haliachi kamwe ulimi wake na jinsi uso wake hauondoki machoni mwake, kumaanisha kuwa anamfikiria kila wakati, wakati wowote. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife. It is a romantic poem, describing his love and attachment to her. He describes how her name never leaves his tongue and how her face never leaves his eyes, meaning he thinks about her continuously, at any given moment.
Date:: April 30, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Makumbusho ya mwaka

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau kusherehekea kumbukumbu ya harusi yake na mke wake. Anabainisha kuwa wakati huu ulikuwa ni kumbukumbu ya mwaka wao wa kwanza ambapo hawakuwa pamoja kwani mkewe alikua ameenda hijra (kuhiji). Anaelezea upendo wake kwake katika shairi lote. ENGLISH: This is a poem written by Ustadh Mau to celebrate his and his wife's wedding anniversary. He notes that this moment was their first anniversary in which they were not physically together as his wife went for hijra (pilgrimage). He describes his love for her throughout the poem.
Date:: December 28, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mashairi for the day of an African child

Description:: SWAHILI: Siku ya mtoto wa Kiafrika ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau linalozungumzia tatizo la watoto yatima barani Afrika. Imetajwa jinsi sisi kama watu tunavyopaswa kuwahurumia zaidi mayatima wanapokabili matatizo makubwa maishani. Pia anataja watoto ambao wanaweza kuwa na mzazi mmoja au wawili, lakini ambao wametelekezwa sana na hawakutunzwa. Watoto hawa wanaweza kuwa na wazazi waliopo kimwili lakini wakakosa mwongozo, matunzo na upendo katika malezi yao. Ustadh Mau anatumia ishara ya kuku anayekinga vifaranga vyake dhidi ya madhara kwa kuvifunika kwa bawa lake. Anawaombea akina mama wawepo zaidi na watoto wao na mayatima wapate mtu ambaye atawapenda kama wazazi wa kweli wangefanya. Vilevile anaitahadharisha jamii kutoingilia mirathi ya mayatima hao na kuwaacha wapate haki zao. ENGLISH: The day of an African child is a poem written by Ustadh Mau discussing the problem of orphaned children in Africa. It is mentioned how we as a people should be much more sympathetic towards orphans as they face great difficulties in life. He also mentions children who may have one or two parents, but who are severely neglected by them and not looked after. These children may have physically present parents but lack guidance, care and love in their upbringing. Ustadh Mau uses the symbolism of a hen protecting its chicks from harm by covering them up with her wing. He prays for mothers to be more present with their children and for orphans to find someone who will love them like true parents would. He also warns the community not to interfere with the inheritance of these orphans and to let them have what is rightfully theirs.
Date:: June 19, 2009
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Hijja iwe makbuli

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa ajili ya mwanamke aitwae Mariam Hassan ambae alikuwa ameenda kuhiji. Inataja jinsi wapendwa wake walioomba aandikiwe shairi hili wanavyotumaini kwamba atasafiri salama na kwamba maombi yake yatasikilizwa na kukubaliwa na Mungu, na pia Mungu amtimizie mahitaji na matakwa yake. ENGLISH: This is a requested poem written by Ustadh Mau for a woman named Mariam Hassan who had gone for hajj (pilgrimage). It mentions how her loved ones who requested this poem hope that she will travel safely and that her prayers are heard and accepted by God, as well as for God to fulfill her needs and wishes.
Date:: January 28, 2004
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mlango twaushindika

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia wakati ambapo Ustadh Mau alitaka kufunga biashara yake ya kuoka mikate kwa sababu biashara haikuwa ikiendelea vizuri. Anasema huu ulikuwa uamuzi mgumu kwake kufanya lakini hakuwa na chaguo. Watu walianza kumshutumu kwa kutowajibika. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa mambo yanapoharibika ndipo utajua nani yuko pamoja nawe na nani yuko kinyume nawe. Limeshapishwa kwenye: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], uk. 324-327. ENGLISH: This poem talks about a time when Ustadh Mau wanted to shut down his bakery because business was not going on well. He says this was a difficult decision for him to make but he was out of choice. People started accussing him of being irresponsible. Ustadh Mau notes that when things go wrong that is when you will know who is with you and who is against you. Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], pp. 324-327.
Date:: June 27, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kutayarisha Siasa za Uchaguzi kwa Kiswahili: Uchunguzi wa Mahmoud Abdulkadir

Description:: SWAHILI: Haya ni makala ya kitaaluma yaliyoandikwa na Profesa Rayya Timammy, msomi mashuhuri na Dean Msaidizi wa zamani wa Chuo Kikuu cha Nairobi. Makala haya yamechapishwa katika kitabu cha ''Nyimbo na Siasa katika Afrika Mashariki'', chenye insha mbalimbali za nyimbo na siasa kutoka eneo hilo. Profesa Rayya Timammy alimtumia Ustadh Mau na kazi yake kama kielelezo cha kuonyesha uhusiano kati ya serikali ya jadi, siasa na hotuba. Anafanya hivyo kwa kuchunguza jinsi siasa inavyodhamiriwa katika tamthilia iliyoandikwa na mshairi. ENGLISH: This is an academic article written by Professor Rayya Timammy, a well-known academic and previous Associate Dean of the University of Nairobi. This article was published in the book ''Songs and Politics in Eastern Africa'', containing various essays on songs and politics from the region. Professor Rayya Timammy used Ustadh Mau and his work as a case study to portray the connection between the traditional state, politics and orature. She does this by examining how politics is thematised in the epic written by the poet.
Date:: circa 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani kwa ziara

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa ajili ya Richard Peck, rafiki wa muda mrefu wa Ustadh Mau kutoka Marekani. Katika shairi hilo anamshukuru sana Richard kwa kuchukua safari ndefu na ngumu ya kufika Lamu na kwa kuhakikisha urafiki wao unaendelea. Ustadh Mau anaandika kwamba urafiki wao ni wa nguvu na wenye mizizi na hauwezi kukatika kwa urahisi. Zaidi ya hayo, anabainisha kuwa Richard na kampuni yake ni wageni waheshimiwa Lamu na kwamba Ustadh Mau anafuraha kuwa na Richard katika mji wake tena. ENGLISH: This poem was written for Richard Peck, a long-time friend to Ustadh Mau from the United States. In the poem he thanks Richard deeply for taking on the long and difficult journey to Lamu and for making sure their friendship continues. Ustadh Mau writes that their friendship is strong and rooted and cannot be easily cut. Furthermore, he notes that Richard and his company are esteemed guests in Lamu and that Ustadh Mau is delighted to have Richard in his hometown again.
Date:: August 30, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kimya ndio nembo yangu

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili juu ya umuhimu wa kujua wakati wa kukaa kimya. Anabainisha kuwa unapoambiwa uvumi kuhusu jambo au mtu fulani ni vyema ukanyamaza na kutoingilia kwani kujihusisha na mambo hayo ni tabia ya kukosa heshima. Anaandika kwamba ikiwa kuzungumza kunaweza kuonekana kama pesa basi ukimya ungekuwa dhahabu. Anaandika jinsi angependelea kujiuma ulimi na kutozungumza badala ya kusema na kujiingiza katika hali ngumu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem on the importance of knowing when to stay silent. He notes that when being told rumours about something or someone it is best to keep quiet and not interfere as engaging in such things is disrespectful behaviour. He writes that if talking could be seen as money then silence would be gold. He writes how he would rather bite his tongue and not speak as opposed to speaking and possibly getting into difficult situations.
Date:: October 7, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Sara

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kumuaga Sara Hillewaert, ambaye kwa sasa ni profesa msaidizi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Toronto ambaye alifanya utafiti Lamu. Ustadh Mau anabainisha watamkosa kiasi gani sasa atakapoondoka Lamu. Anamtakia safari njema, anamtakia mafanikio na anatumai wataweza kukutana tena siku zijazo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to say goodbye to Sara Hillewaert, currently an associate professor at the University of Toronto who did research in Lamu. Ustadh Mau notes how much they will miss her now that she will leave Lamu. He wishes her safe travels, wishes her success and hopes they will be able to meet again in the future.
Date:: June 13, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ufisadi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia ufisadi na athari zake kwa jamii. Mshairi analinganisha ufisadi na sumu ambayo huondoa maisha kutoka kwa kila kitu. Katika jamii ambayo viongozi wake ni wafisadi hakuna kitu kinaonekana kustawi kwani rasilimali zote za maendeleo zinawekwa kwenye mifuko ya watu binafsi. Shairi linamalizia kwa kuuliza ni nani ana jukumu la kukomesha ufisadi? Abdalla Soud Maawiya alitunga shairi kujibu hili. ENGLISH: The poem talks about corruption and its effects to the society. The poet compares corruption to poison that drains life out of everything. In a society whose leaders are corrupt nothings seems to develop since all the resources for development are put into personal pockets. The poem ends with a question as to who is responsible of ending corruption? Abdalla Soud Maawiya composed a poem in response to this one.
Date:: June 6, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Twamuaga kwa Huzuni

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau ametunga hili shairi kwa niaba ya Mama Azra. Shairi kumwaga mwalimu Sharifa Skanda mkuu wa Mkomani Primary School. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau composed this poem on behalf of Mama Azra. The poem was composed to say goodbye to Headmistress Sharifa Scanda of Mkomani Primary School.
Date:: June 26, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mama musimlaumu + Mwalimu + Kiswahili

Description:: SWAHILI: Waraka huu uko na mashairi manne tofauti: Mama musimlaumu ni shairi kuhusu mwanamke aliyetupa binti yake mchanga vichakani. Mtoto huyo aliokolewa na mbwa na jambo hili lilizua tafaruku katika jamii. Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupitia kwa muonekano wa yule binti aliyetupwa na mamake akiambia jamii isimhukumu mamake. Mwalimu ni shairi linalopendekeza kuwahusisha walimu katika mambo ya kijamii kwani wao ndio wenye kufunza jamii ijayo, wajibu wa walimu katika elimu na jamii lazima ieleweke na isisitizwe. Shairi pia linazungumzia umuhimu wa elimu na kupeleka watoto mashuleni. Kiswahili ni shairi lililoandikwa kwa mtindo wa ubinafsishaji. Mama kiSwahili analalamika jinsi wanae (waswahili halisi) walivyo kipuuza kiSwahili mpaka kunakiliwa na kuekwa viwango kwa kiSwahili kumetawaliwa na wageni wasiokuwa waswahili. KiSwahili kinaita wanawae wawe ni wenye kukiwajibikia na kukitilia juhudi kama zamani. Shairi hili limechapishwa. Yamechapishwa kwenye: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], uk. 329-354. ENGLISH: This manuscript contains Three different poems : Mama musimlamu (page 1-2); Mwalimu (page 3-4); Kiswahili (page 5-6). Mama musimlaumu is a poem regarding a woman who threw out her newborn daughter in the bushes, meaning to abandon her there. The newborn was saved by a dog and it caused a big spark of rage across the nation. Ustadh Mau's poem is written from the perspective of the daughter, telling the nation not to criticize her mother. Mwalimu, touches on how teachers should be involved in the community as they are teaching the next generation of kids. The role of teachers in both education and the larger community should be well recognized and emphasized. The poem also mentions the importance of education and schooling for children. and Kiswahili the poem is written from the perspective of a personified Swahili. ''Mother Swahili'' criticizes the way her children (native Swahili speakers of the coast) have long neglected the language and that the documentation and standardization of Swahili has been dominated by foreigners instead. It calls on her children to make an active effort for Kiswahili again. Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], pp. 329-354.
Date:: 2006, 2005, 2003
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Bandari

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili wakati wa ujenzi wa Bandari ya Lamu mwaka wa 2009. Anabainisha kuwa bandari hii itatoa fursa za kiuchumi kwa watu wa Lamu na kuwataka watu kusoma na kupata vyeti ili waweze kufanya kazi katika bandari hiyo. Hata hivyo, anabainisha pia hofu yake ya bandari kuathiri utamaduni na urithi wa Lamu na kuonya watu wa Lamu kuwa waangalifu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem during construction of the Lamu Port in 2009. He notes that this port will provide economic opportunities to the people of Lamu and urges people to study and get qualifications so that they may work at the port. However, he also notes his fear of the port influencing the culture and heritage of Lamu and warns the people of Lamu to be carefully.
Date:: January 16, 2009
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau ni shairi la kisiasa lililoandikwa kwa niaba ya Issa Timammy, ambaye alikuwa akifanya kampeni ya kuwa gavana wa Lamu wakati huo. Shairi hilo limeelekezwa kwa watu wa Lamu. Issa Timammy anawataka wafahamu kuwa watakuwa wakipitia safari hii ya kisiasa pamoja hadi wafikie wanakotaka kwa maendeleo na masuala ya Lamu. Anawaomba wananchi wasimame naye na kumpigia kura. ENGLISH: This poem written by Ustadh Mau is a political poem written on behalf of Issa Timammy, who was campaigning to becme governor of Lamu at the time. The poem is addressed to people of Lamu. Issa Timammy wants them to know that they will be going through this political journey together until they reach their desired destination for the development and issues of Lamu. He asks the people to stand with him and to vote for him.
Date:: July 23, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nyonda hizi ndaajabu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe. Ni shairi la kimapenzi, linaloelezea upendo wake na kushikamana kwake. Anaelezea jinsi jina lake haliachi kamwe ulimi wake na jinsi uso wake hauondoki machoni mwake, kumaanisha kuwa anamfikiria kila wakati, wakati wowote. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife. It is a romantic poem, describing his love and attachment to her. He describes how her name never leaves his tongue and how her face never leaves his eyes, meaning he thinks about her continuously, at any given moment.
Date:: April 30, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yondi la nyonda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe Sauda ambaye alikwenda safarini. Shairi linaeleza jinsi anavyotamani uwepo wake na jinsi anavyohisi huzuni kwa sababu ya umbali huo. Anaeleza jinsi alivyotambua mapenzi yake yalivyokuwa mazito kwake baada ya muda na anamsihi arudi haraka kwani hawezi kuzuia hamu yake tena. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife Sauda who went away on a trip. The poem expresses how much he misses her presence and how he feels sadness because of this distance. He describes how he realized how deep his love has become for her over time and urges her to come back quickly as he cannot contain his longing for her anymore.
Date:: December 21, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mtihani

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa ajili ya mwanawe Aboud ambaye alikuwa na mitihani muhimu ya shule wakati shairi hili lilipoandikwa. Ustadh Mau anamuombea dua afaulu na awe juu ya darasa lake. Anatamani ang'ae kama nyota na awe mtulivu wakati wote wa mitihani kwani Mungu hatamuacha katika nyakati kama hizo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for his son Aboud who was having important school examinations at the time the poem was written. Ustadh Mau prays for him to succeed and be at the top of his class. He wishes for him to shine like a star and to be calm throughout the exams as God will not abandon him during such times.
Date:: October 13, 2016
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndoa ziwe mab'ruki

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya Tuma Badi. Watoto wake wawili walikuwa wanaelekea kufunga ndoa hivyo akaomba shairi hili kuwatakia heri katika kipindi hiki muhimu. Shairi hilo linawaombea ndoa yao ibarikiwe na Mungu azidishe upendo kati yao na kuwalinda na uovu wowote. ENGLISH: This poem was written on behalf of Tuma Badi. Two of her children were getting married so she asked for this poem to wish them well during this important period. The poem prays for their marriage to be blessed and for God to increase the love between them and to protect them from any evil.
Date:: December 5, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kutoa ni sifa njema

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa chuo cha wasichana wote jijini Nairobi. Shairi linahusu umuhimu wa hisani na kutoa sadaka. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa siku zote mtu anatakiwa kuwa akitoa na asitarajie malipo kwani hiyo ndiyo maana halisi ya kuwa na wema na kutoa. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for an all-girls college in Nairobi. The poem is about the importance of charity. Ustadh Mau notes that one should always be giving and not expect things in return for that is the true meaning of being virtuous and giving.
Date:: May 6, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzinduzi

Description:: SWAHILI: Mshairi analalamikia udhalilifu na ukandamishaji wa waswahili na jinsi walivyojitenga miongoni mwao kila mda umavyokwenda. ENGLISH: The narrator of the poem laments the oppression of the Swahili community and how its members became divided amongst themselves over time.
Date:: November 24, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wasiya wa mabanati

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa na Ustadh Mau kama wasia kwa wasichana na wanawake. Ustadh Mau alipata hamasisho kutoka kwa muandishi wa kutoa usuri Ali Al-Tantawi aliyeandika shairi liitwalo ''Ya Binti'' miaka kumi iliyopita. Mashairi haya yalipata umashuhuri sana haswa shairi la Ustadh Mau upande wa Pwani mwa Kenya. Japokuwa shairi hili linatambulika kama utendi, bahari yake inafanana na Dura al-Mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati unazungumzia kutumiwa na kutengwa kwa wanawake haswa mikononi mwa wanaume na jinsi majanga kama vile unyanyasaji wa kijinsia yanaweza kuathiri akili ya mwanamke. Shairi hili linalenga mtazamo wa mwanamume kumpachika msichana uja uzito na kisha kumsusia. Beti za mwisho za shairi zinatumika kuwapatia onyo kali wasichana na wanawake likiwahimiza wajihifadhi kutokana na majanga haya na kwa jamii na binadamu kujiboresha ili visa kama hizi zikomeshwe. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau to serve as an advisory piece for women and girls. He was inspired by the Syrian author Ali Al-Tantawi, who had composed the pamhplet ''Ya Binti (Oh, My Daughter)'' ten years prior. Both poems circulated greatly in the Muslim world, especially Ustadh Mau's version along the Kenyan coast. Although the poem by Ustadh Mau is widely known as an utendi, its metre is close to dura al-mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati discusses the exploitation and marginalization of women (in particular at the hands of men) and how tragedies such as sexual assault may impact the woman's psyche. The poem focuses on the perspectives of a man impregnating a young woman and abandoning her after. The final stanzas of the poem serve as a greater warning and advice to women and girls, moving away from the singled out woman of the poem, urging them to protect themselves from such tragedies and for society and mankind to better themselves so these things may cease to happen.
Date:: January 16, 1974
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Asili ni mali kuata ni muhali

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliwasilishwa wakati wa warsha kuhusu Kiswahili iliyopewa jina la "Rudi kwenye Utafiti wa Msingi". Shairi linazungumzia asili yetu na mizizi yetu. Ustadh Mau anawataka Waswahili kufuatilia na kuzichunguza asili na tamaduni zao na kuzishikilia na kujivunia juu ya mila zao. Anawaomba Waswahili watafiti zaidi juu ya lugha asili ya mama, lahaja na kurekebisha maneno ambayo yamefujwawa pamoja na kuunda istilahi mpya za Kiswahili. Anasema kuwa lugha yetu ndio utambulisho wetu na tukiipoteza basi tunajipoteza lakini tukiiendeleza basi tutafanikiwa. ENGLISH: This poem was presented during a workshop on Kiswahili that was titled "Back to Basic Research". The poem talks about Swahili origin and their roots. Ustadh Mau urges the Swahili people to trace their origins and culture and to hold firm onto them and be proud of their traditions. He asks the Swahili people to research more on their original mother toungue, the dialects and to rectify what has been interfered with as well as to create new swahili terminologies. He argues that our language is our identity and if we lose it then we lose ourselves but if we develop it then we shall prosper.
Date:: December 19, 2014
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mila yetu hufujika

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi la mazungumzo kati ya mzee na mjukuu wake. Shairi linazungumzia mila na utamaduni wa watu wa Lamu kusambaratika. Mzee huyo anazungumzia wasiwasi wake akibainisha jinsi wanawake wanavyotembea nusu uchi mitaani na jinsi wanaume sasa wanavyosuka nywele na kuvaa mapambo. Anabainisha kuwa vijana wamejiingiza katika mambo ya uasherati kiasi cha kupuuza maadili na elimu yao. Anawalinganisha watu hawa na popo wanaoning'inia juu chini. Mjukuu wake ana maoni tofauti ya ulimwengu na anadhani babu yake ni mzee sana kuelewa mitindo mipya za maisha. ENGLISH: This is a dialogue poem between an old man and his grandson. The poem talks about the customs and culture of the people of Lamu falling apart. The old man addresses his concerns noting how the women are walking half naked in the streets and how men are now plaiting their hairs and putting on jewelry. He notes that young people are so indulged in immorality to an extent of ignoring their values and education. He compares these people to bats who hang upside down. His grandson holds different views of the world and thinks his grandfather is too old to understand the new ways of life.
Date:: December 26, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ewe mola mrahamu mzee wetu khitami

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi la maombolezo lililoandikwa kwa niaba ya Shab'naa Zainabu ambaye bado alikuwa akiomboleza kifo cha mlezi wake Khitami mwaka mmoja baada ya kifo chake. Anabainisha jinsi alivyokuwa zaidi ya mzazi kwake na kwamba licha ya kuwapoteza mama na baba yake hakuwahi kujisikia kama yatima kwa sababu Khitami alijaza nafasi hiyo ya mzazi vizuri sana. Sikuzote alikuwepo kusikiliza matatizo yake na kumfariji. Alimpa msaada wa kihisia na kifedha. Anamuombea apumzike kwa amani na siku moja ataungana naye. ENGLISH: This is a lamentation poem written on behalf of Shab'naa Zainabu who was still mourning the death of her guardian Khitami a year after his death. She notes how he was more than a parent to her and that despite losing both her mother and father she never felt like an orphan because Khitami filled that position of a parent very well. He was always there to listen to her problems and to comfort her. He offered her both emotional and financial support. She prays for him to rest in peace and that one day she will be reunited with him.
Date:: May 10, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Harusi iwe ya kheri yake mwanangu Ruweda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa niaba ya mama ambaye binti yake Ruweida alikuwa aolewe. Anatamani ndoa ya bintiye iwe ndoa yenye afya na mafanikio. Mama huyo anasisitiza kwamba anahisi huzuni kwamba binti yake sasa analazimika kuacha nyumba ya wazazi wake lakini pia kwamba anawaombea waweza kupata baraka na upendo mwingi kwenye ndoa yao. Shairi pia lina ushauri wa kujaribu kuwa mvumilivu kila wakati kwani maisha huja na heka heka nyingi. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau on behalf of a mother whose daughter Ruweida was to get married. She wishes that her daughter's marriage may be a healthy and succesful marriage. The mother emphasizes that she feels sadness that her daughter now has to leave her parental house but also that many blessings and love may come their way. The poem also contains the advice to always try to be patient as life knows many ups and downs.
Date:: November 10, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yondi la nyonda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe Sauda ambaye alikwenda safarini. Shairi linaeleza jinsi anavyotamani uwepo wake na jinsi anavyohisi huzuni kwa sababu ya umbali huo. Anaeleza jinsi alivyotambua mapenzi yake yalivyokuwa mazito kwake baada ya muda na anamsihi arudi haraka kwani hawezi kuzuia hamu yake tena. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife Sauda who went away on a trip. The poem expresses how much he misses her presence and how he feels sadness because of this distance. He describes how he realized how deep his love has become for her over time and urges her to come back quickly as he cannot contain his longing for her anymore.
Date:: December 21, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Saara

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kumuaga Sara Hillewaert, ambaye kwa sasa ni profesa msaidizi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Toronto ambaye alifanya utafiti Lamu. Ustadh Mau anabainisha watamkosa kiasi gani sasa atakapoondoka Lamu. Anamtakia safari njema, anamtakia mafanikio na anatumai wataweza kukutana tena siku zijazo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to say goodbye to Sara Hillewaert, currently an associate professor at the University of Toronto who did research in Lamu. Ustadh Mau notes how much they will miss her now that she will leave Lamu. He wishes her safe travels, wishes her success and hopes they will be able to meet again in the future.
Date:: June 13, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Asili ni mali kuata ni muhali

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliwasilishwa wakati wa warsha kuhusu Kiswahili iliyopewa jina la "Rudi kwenye Utafiti wa Msingi". Shairi linazungumzia asili yetu na mizizi yetu. Ustadh Mau anawataka Waswahili kufuatilia na kuzichunguza asili na tamaduni zao na kuzishikilia na kujivunia juu ya mila zao. Anawaomba Waswahili watafiti zaidi juu ya lugha asili ya mama, lahaja na kurekebisha maneno ambayo yamefujwawa pamoja na kuunda istilahi mpya za Kiswahili. Anasema kuwa lugha yetu ndio utambulisho wetu na tukiipoteza basi tunajipoteza lakini tukiiendeleza basi tutafanikiwa. ENGLISH: This poem was presented during a workshop on Kiswahili that was titled "Back to Basic Research". The poem talks about our origin and our roots. Ustadh Mau urges the Swahili people to trace their origins and culture and to hold firm onto them and be proud of their traditions. He asks the swahili people to research more on their original mother toungue, the dialects and to rectify what has been interfered with as well as to create new swahili terminologies. He argues that our language is our identity and if we lose it then we lose ourselves but if we develop it then we shall prosper.
Date:: December 21, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndowa iwe Mab'ruki

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa ajili ya harusi ya bintiye Azra. Katika shairi la Ustadh Mau anatoa nasaha zake kuhusu mambo mbalimbali, kama vile kukutana na watu mbalimbali katika maisha yake yote na kujaribu kuelewana nao wote. Anasisitiza kuwa uvumilivu na kutokuwa na adabu au mvivu ni sifa muhimu kuwa nazo. Kuhusiana na ndoa, anamshauri akumbuke kuwa maisha yamejaa heka heka. Anatumia sitiari ya baharia kulazimika kuchukua udhibiti wa usukani wa mashua kwa wakati bahari (maisha) inapochafuka na kutokata tamaa hilo linapotokea. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for his daughter Azra's wedding. In the poem Ustadh Mau gives her advice on various things, such as meeting different people throughout life and trying to get along with all of them. He emphasizes that patience and not being rude or lazy are important qualities to have. In regards to marriage, he advices her to remember that life is filled with ups and downs. He uses the metaphor of a sailor having to take control of the boat's steering wheel for when the sea (life) gets rough and to not give up when that happens.
Date:: February 14, 2019
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzunduzi wa RISSEA

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupongeza na kusherehekea uzinduzi wa RISSEA ("Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili ya Afrika Mashariki"). Anaiombea taasisi hiyo mpya ifanikiwe na anasisitiza umuhimu wa kulinda na kuhifadhi lugha ya Kiswahili katika shairi zima. Pia anawashukuru waanzilishi kwa kuanzisha mradi huo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to congratulate and celebrate the launch of RISSEA ("Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa"). He prays for the new institution to be successful and emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the Swahili language throughout the poem. He also thanks the founders for initiating such a project.
Date:: November 28, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Dua kwa kiushairi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi linawaombea wanafunzi wa Mkoomani girls (sasa inaitwa Mahmud Bin Fadhil Girls Primary School). Wanafunzi walikuwa karibu kufanya mitihani yao ya Kitaifa na kwa hivyo shairi hili linawaombea wafaulu kwenye mtihani huo. ENGLISH: The Poem prays for the students at Mkoomani girls (now named Mahmud Bin Fadhil Girls Primary School). The students were about to do their National examinations and therefore this poems prays for their success.
Date:: November 20, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzunduzi wa rissea

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupongeza na kusherehekea uzinduzi wa RISSEA (Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili ya Afrika Mashariki). Anaiombea taasisi hiyo mpya ifanikiwe na anasisitiza umuhimu wa kulinda na kuhifadhi lugha ya Kiswahili katika shairi zima. Pia anawashukuru waanzilishi kwa kuanzisha mradi huo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to congratulate and celebrate the launch of RISSEA (Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa). He prays for the new institution to be successful and emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the Swahili language throughout the poem. He also thanks the founders for initiating such a project.
Date:: November 28, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kwaheri

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa niaba ya mwanamke anayeitwa Salima Islam. Aliomba shairi hili kwa ajili ya mwanamke anayeitwa Sara ambaye alikuwa amekuja Lamu kujifunza zaidi kuhusu Kiswahili. Shairi hili linaeleza tabia njema ambazo sara alidhihirisha na jinsi alivyojitolea kwa Uislamu baada ya kusilimu kwake. Sara alikuwa anarejea nyumbani baada ya kukaa Lamu kwa miaka miwili na Salima anamtakia safari njema na pia anamuombea apate mume atakaempenda na kumjali. Tazama pia mashairi yanayofanana na hili; umada_ms_00126, umada_ms_00166 na umada_ms_00094. ENGLISH: The poem was composed on behalf of a woman called Salima Islam. She requested this poem for a lady named Sara who had come to Lamu to learn more about Swahili. The poem states the beautiful charachter that Sara posessed and how she was committed to Islam after she had converted. Sara was going back home after staying in Lamu for two years and Salima wishes her safe travels and she also prays for her to find a loving and caring husband. See also similar poems; umada_ms_00126, umada_ms_00166 and umada_ms_00094.
Date:: June 13, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Poleni

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa niaba ya Sauda Kassim (mke wa Ustadh Mau) ili kupa moya na rambirambi kwa watoto wa jirani yake Mwana Amina aliyeaga dunia. Anaeleza jinsi alivyokuwa karibu na mama yao na kwamba anaelewa kina cha huzuni ambayo mtu huhisi kumpoteza mama huyo mwenye kujali na kuwajibika. Anaiombea roho yake ipumzike kwa amani na watoto wake wawe na subira katika kipindi hicho kigumu. ENGLISH: This poem was composed on behalf of Sauda Kassim (Ustadh Mau's wife) to express support and condolesence to the children of her neighbour Mwana Amina, who had passed away. She expresses how close she was to their mother and that she understands the depth of sorrow that one feels to lose such a caring and responsible mother. She prays for her soul to rest in peace and for her children to be patient during that difficult time.
Date:: October 3, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Dua

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la maombi lilitungwa na Ustadh Mau kwa ajili ya wanafunzi wa Shule ya Msingi ya vijana ya Ama. Wanafunzi walikuwa karibu kufanya mitihani yao ya Kitaifa na kwa hivyo mashairi haya yanawaombea kufaulu. Anawaombea wafanikiwe na waendelee na elimu ya juu zaidi. ENGLISH: This prayer poem was composed by Ustadh Mau for the students of Ama Boys Primary School. The students were about to do their National examinations and therefore this poems prays for their success. He prays for them to succeed and to proceed to a higher level education.
Date:: January 11, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mukhadirati

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi linalozungumzia kuhusu matumizi ya mukhadarati katika eneo la pwani na khaswa Lamu. Likisisitiza madhara ya mukhadarati juu ya afya, pesa na mahusiano ya familia. ENGLISH: A poem discussing drug use along the coast and on Lamu, emphasizing the bad effects the drugs have on the people, particularly on their health, finances and family ties.
Date:: August 8, 2001
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Jilbabu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau limeandikwa kwa mtazamo wa baba na binti. Katika shairi hilo, wana mazungumzo kuhusu jilbab (vazi la nje linalovaliwa na wanawake wa Kiislamu ambalo hufunika sehemu kubwa ya mwili). Binti katika shairi hili anamwomba babake pesa kwenda kununua na kuanza kuvaa jilbab yenye kumfunika kabisa. Babake naye ana wasiwasi kwamba huenda akataniwa na kuonewa na watu wa umri wake na pia anabainisha kuwa binti yake ni mdogo sana kuivaa jilbabu. Anamshauri kununua kitu cha kisasa zaidi na chenye mtindo, lakini binti anaeleza nia yake ya kuvaa jilbab kama inavyoendana na yale ambayo Mwenyezi Mungu amewaambia wanawake wayafanye na kwamba inamkinga na majaribio. Anasema ni bora kuanza kuvaa jilbab katika umri mdogo na kuzoea badala ya baadaye anapokuwa mtu mzima. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau is written from the perspective of a father and daughter. In the poem, they are having a dialogue about the jilbab (the outer garment worn by Muslim women which covers most of the body). The daughter in this poem asks her father for some money as she wants to go and purchase one and start wearing the fully-covering jilbab. Her father in turn is worried that she might get teased and bullied by her age-mates and also notes that she is too young to wear it. He suggests to purchase something more trendy and fashionable, but the daughter expresses her wish to wear the jilbab as it is in line with what Allah has told women to do and that it protects her from temptation. She argues it is better to start wearing the jilbab at an early age and get used to it instead of later when she is more grown.
Date:: May 26, 1988
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nilizaliwa Amu

Description:: SWAHILI: Hii ni tawasifu iliyoandikwa na Ustadh Mau ambamo anashiriki maelezo kuhusu maisha yake, kama vile watoto wake, vitu vyake tofauti vya kufurahisha, mashairi yake na mada anazoandika. ENGLISH: This is an autobiography written by Ustadh Mau in which he shares details about his life, such as his kids, his different hobbies, his poetry and the topics he writes about.
Date:: February 20, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mola zidisha baraka

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kusherehekea miaka 100 ya kuwepo kwa Shule ya Upili ya Kenya, shule ya upili ya wasichana ya umma iliyoko Nairobi. Shairi hili ni la kustaajabisha kwani limeandikwa kwa Kiswahili sanifu kinyume na lahaja ya Amu (Kiamu) ambayo Ustadh Mau anaitumia zaidi katika ushairi wake. Katika shairi hilo, Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa shule hiyo imekuwepo kwa muda mrefu na anaipongeza shule hiyo kwa kuwa bado ni taasisi ya elimu ya hali ya juu. Wahitimu wake wameenea ulimwenguni kote wakishikilia nyadhifa zenye ushawishi na za ajabu, Ustadh Mau anaandika. Anamshukuru mkuu wa shule (Rose Mary), walimu, walinzi wa shule, matroni na wapishi kwa kuweka mazingira salama na ya kuwahamasisha wanafunzi kufaulu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to celebrate the 100-year existence of Kenya High School, a public girls' high school located in Nairobi. This poem is remarkable as it is written in standard Swahili as opposed to the Amu dialect (Kiamu) that Ustadh Mau mostly uses in his poetry. In the poem, Ustadh Mau notes that the school has existed for a long time and applauds the school for still being a high quality educational institution. Its alumni are spread throughout the world holding influential and remarkable positions, Ustadh Mau writes. He thanks the principal (Rose Mary), the teachers, the schoolguards, the matrons and the cooks for providing a safe and motivating atmosphere in which the students can excel.
Date:: November 25, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kilio hulia mwenyewe

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili mwaka wa 2006 kuzindua kongamano la kimataifa kuhusu utamaduni maarufu Africa Mashariki ambalo lilikuwa limeandaliwa mjini Mombasa kupitia Andrew Eisenberg na Ann Biersteker. Shairi hili linazungumzia wasiwasi juu ya matisho ambayo utandawazi huweka kwa tamaduni zingine. Ustadh Mau anahimiza kwamba tushikamane na tamaduni na mila zetu na tusiwaruhusu Wamagharibi kutulazimisha tamaduni zao. Limechapishwa Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], uk. 200-206. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem in 2006 to inaugurate an international conference on popular culture in East Africa that had been organized in Mombasa by Andrew Eisenberg and Ann Biersteker. This poem addresses concerns on the the threats that globalization imposes on other cultures. Ustadh Mau urges that we should stick to our cultures and traditions and not to let the West impose their cultures on us. Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], pp. 200-206.
Date:: July 20, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

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