Jay Melody sings Mtoto from the album Addiction, with lyrics by Sharif Saidi Juma and music by Saidi Juma, Adam Amiry Maingwa, and GENIUSJINI X66. The song shows nostalgia for carefree childhood days. It describes a time when life meant simple joys without responsibilities.
Released: April 20, 2025
Mtoto
Jay Melody • From “Addiction”
Mtoto Lyrics Translation – Addiction Soundtrack
Sharif Saidi Juma writes about adult hardships contrasting childhood ease. Key lines mention ‘dealing narcotics isn’t like picking flowers.’ These lyrics tell how survival in the city brings struggles and regret.
Ilikuwa Kula Kusoma KuchezaLife was just eating, studying, and playing.
Vingine Nilivyotamani Kuvipata VililetwaAnything else I desired was brought right to me.
Na Wala Sikudhani Hizi Siku ZitafikaAnd I never thought these days would ever arrive.
Sikuwa Na Mashaka Naitae Na MiakaI had no worries as the years passed me by.
Now Nimekuwa NimetambuaNow that I’ve grown up, I’ve finally realized,
Utuuzi Madawa Sio MauaDealing ‘n@rcotics’ isn’t like picking flowers.
Leo Natamani Mi SingekuwaToday, I wish I hadn’t become this person.
Utuuzi Madawa Sio MauaDealing ‘n@rcotics’ isn’t like picking flowers.
Bora Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)It was better back then (when I was a child).
Ah Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)Oh, those old days (when I was a child).
Bora Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)It was better back then (when I was a child).
Ah Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)Oh, those old days (when I was a child).
Huwa Huyaoni NiliambiwaYou don’t usually see the truth, or so I was told.
Dunia Ina Mengi Sana Usione Mtu KainamaThe world’s full of struggle, don’t just judge someone when they’re down.
Oh Wasaka Tonge WanapambaniaOh, the ‘wasaka tonge’ (those searching for a morsel of food) are fighting to survive,
Apo Mjini Lawama Tena Kuna Muda Unaumia SanaIn the city, there’s only blame and times when you’re hurting deeply.
Oh Ilikuwa Easy Huko Nyuma Rahisi SanaOh, it was easy back then, so very simple.
Type Hizi Mizungu Yangu Na KupambanaThese ‘mizungu’ (survival maneuvers) and all the constant struggling,
Hata Nikimissi Hakuna Jinsi Vile NtafanyaEven if I miss it, there’s nothing I can do.
Mungu Ibariki Miziki Yangu Fungua MianyaGod bless my music and open up new opportunities.
Now Nimekuwa NimetambuaNow that I’ve grown up, I’ve finally realized,
Utuuzi Madawa Sio MauaDealing ‘n@rcotics’ isn’t like picking flowers.
Leo Natamani Mi SingekuwaToday, I wish I hadn’t become this person.
Utuuzi Madawa Sio MauaDealing ‘n@rcotics’ isn’t like picking flowers.
Bora Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)It was better back then (when I was a child).
Ah Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)Oh, those old days (when I was a child).
Bora Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)It was better back then (when I was a child).
Ah Zamani (Nilivyokuwa Mtoto)Oh, those old days (when I was a child).
Sharif Saidi JumaSharif Saidi Juma.
Mtoto Music Video
The Mtoto lyrics meaning examines lost innocence through Swahili poetry. Jay Melody asks listeners to reflect on youth’s simplicity versus adult realities.