Sharing Feedback on Lulu

Most of the times I get overwhelming feedback on numerous write-ups that I share with you dear readers. However, the feedback which was sent in the form of a review following what I wrote about Lulu’s latest album was something that I could not help it but share with you. This week I will, therefore, stand aside and let you enjoy the write up from the two reviewers Ziliro Mchulu and Richard Phiri.

Songs have been composed based on biblical stories and it is now boring to hear someone narrating a biblical story in a song, especially when it has been done in the obvious way which is now a cliché. However, when one has adapted a biblical story in today’s world and language, it becomes special and unique. The song ‘Hannah’ by Lulu is one of the masterpieces that has employed a unique adaptation of a biblical story, painted with massive creativeness_.

Lulu has one character that separates him from other artists of his age and level; he knows what he sings and does it better. If you go to church, you must be in a good position to understand the story of Hannah and you might be too exhausted to hear it again now. However, Lulu has adapted the story into a tune that is a mixture of creativity and sublime. The instrumentation has been made in such a way that it helps to add the aroma to the song.

The song ‘Hannah’ is based on the biblical story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. The chapter centres on a man called *Elkanah who had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah*. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Peninnah was hostile to Hannah because of her situation. “Her rival provoked her greatly, to vex her because the Lord had left her childless” [1, Samuel 1v6].

Hannah in the song represents the present-day woman who is passing through hell to sustain her marriage. She is mocked and laughed at by others due to the problems that she is passing through. Hannah is struggling to maintain the love of her husband because of side chics and Slay Queens. “MG1 ati pena ndi kape”.

This explains that some people are mocking today’s Hannah because she is the registered wife of the husband who has numerous unregistered wives. This is causing trauma and stress to today’s Hannah.

We have these women who are not enjoying marriage. They are in marriage simply because they have children with an abusive husband who is sleeping around. Women who are slaves of marriage because their husband spends much on beer than on family needs.

However, like the biblical Hannah, the Hannah of today is still moving on with the marriage. She is strong despite the problems she encounters. In the book of Samuel, Hanna does not quit praying despite the taunts and mockeries she gets from her rival Peninah. Hannah in the song continues working hard to provide for her marriage despite her hostile situation. She is working tooth and nail to provide for the family.

 “Ndakuona ukukankha njinga yamakala wekha/

kuti ana adye abambo awo ali ku mowa/’.

To Hannah shedding tears and not giving up, is the only ways of expressing her pain. The reason for not giving up might be that, Hannah still has hope inside her heart that even though she is suffering, things will change one day. The persona encourages Hannah to trust in the lord because his grace is sufficient.

“Mwiyo wake ndiwochepa kuposa chisomo chake”.

In the end, The Lord blessed the biblical Hannah with a child named Samuel meaning [heard of God]. The persona in the song is God / a concerned person addressing Hannah, giving her courage and comfort. At one point, the persona says “uzabala Samuel”.

Samuel is a child that made Hannah happy and ended her shame. The baby brought peace to Hannah, such that at the end of the day Hannah even sang a song praising God for the child she had been given. Samuel also became the voice of God [Prophet] who even anointed great kings like David. Lulu uses Samuel as a symbol of happiness, peace and blessing that is to come in the future to this modern Hannah who is moving through a lot of problems.

How the story ends for the biblical Hannah is a lesson to all women who are struggling in marriage. When God will bless your marriage he will not just bless you with an ordinary marriage. God will make your marriage wonderful and joyful. You will be able to write a true definition of marriage and love. When God is blessing his children he blesses them abundantly. The child that Hannah was given was not just a mare child, but a future prophet. The blessings of the lord are permanent and once they come they do not fade.

The song gives hope to all people who are currently suffering in different arena of life especially marriage life. The song encourages women not to take unchartered routes to solve marriage issues.

“Nkhondo yako si yamphamvu,nkhondo yako nja udzimu”.