Listen: Marioo "Sober" ft. Alikiba - Ndoto Kwenda Peponi!

Marioo’s “The God Son (TGS)” album keeps on giving! This time, he’s teamed up with Tanzanian music legend Alikiba for a soulful track titled “Sober.” This unexpected collaboration blends Marioo’s catchy melodies with Alikiba’s soulful vocals, creating a unique and introspective listening experience.

“Sober” delves into the complexities of life, touching on themes of stress, escapism, and the desire for peace. While the title might suggest a song about abstaining from alcohol, “Sober” explores a deeper meaning of sobriety – finding clarity and inner peace amidst life’s challenges.

The song opens with Marioo acknowledging the struggles of daily life:

Ah, si unaona, tupo tu poa kama jana ila leo tupo sober Hakuna shido we mwenyewe si unaona Tulikunywa sana jana ila leo tuko sober, sober, sober

(You see, we are just cool like yesterday, but today we are sober There’s no problem, you can see for yourself We drank a lot yesterday, but today we are sober, sober, sober)

He reflects on how stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking, which can cause conflicts with loved ones:

Ah, gambe stress release, oh Sinywi nitukane jamaa zangu Ah, silewi nigombame na ndugu zangu, uh

(Gambling, stress release, oh If I don’t drink, I’ll insult my friends If I don’t get drunk, I’ll fight with my relatives)

Alikiba joins in with a verse that touches on even heavier burdens, including heartbreak, job loss, financial struggles, and the overwhelming responsibility of raising children:

Ah, nimetoka kuachwa, nimefukuzwa kazi Nadaiwa kodi, kuvuja kwa pakacha, I’m so down

(I’ve just been dumped, I’ve been fired from my job I owe rent, my roof is leaking, I’m so down)

Despite these hardships, the song emphasizes the importance of finding inner peace and focusing on a higher purpose. The chorus highlights their shared aspiration for spiritual solace:

Sisi hapa sote ndoto zetu kwenda peponi Ndo maana leo tupo sober leo tupo sober

(We all dream of going to heaven, that’s why we are sober today)

“Sober” is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and solace within ourselves. Marioo and Alikiba’s collaboration delivers a beautiful and thought-provoking message about the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and finding peace amidst life’s chaos.

Listen to “Sober” below;