You can be born poor, but what excuse do you have for dying poor? Kumutambo kukhunyoa buyinda bukhakhunyoa. All about this Bukusu proverb that reminds us to get our hustle going no matter what. As they say, get rich or die trying.
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Vocabulary: First, a quick introduction to new Bukusu words
For a beginner’s ease in into Bukusu language our post on embwa ya wele (dogs of god) is a great starting point to appreciate the richness of the language. To get on with learning Bukusu language, stop by our post on 100+ common Bukusu words and phrases meaning, translation and pronunciation. To expand your vocabulary, make good use of our free Luhya-English dictionary and thesaurus.
Kumutambo
A state of lack, poverty.
Khunyoa
A situation not in under your control that precedes your existence.
Buyinda
Wealth
Bukhakhunyoa
Better for you if the situation above (kukhunyoa) does not precede you.
Want to learn more Bukusu words? Build your Luhya words vocabulary with our free resources.
Luhya-English Dictionary ↗
Learn Luhya words their synonyms, variations in Luhya dialects, pronunciations, translation, similar sounding bantu words and cultural importance with our free forever Luhya-English dictionary and Thesaurus. Get to contribute by joining the discussion in the comments section and together let’s preserve and grow the rich Luhya language.
Exploring the meaning of ‘kumutambo kukhunyoa buinda bukhakhunyoa’ using insights from opposite proverb from the Maragoli
The Maragoli have a proverb: Imburi yu mudaka yivura amalongo dave. A poor man’s goat does not twin. This Luhya saying considers the role of luck and/or fate in explaining abject poverty. According to Mulogoli, the universe conspires to make sure the a poor man remains in his sad state of lack by denying his goats a chance to give birth to twins.
The thinking here is that, if a poor man’s goats could twin, the number of his stock would improve; and with time, he would have enough animals to trade in exchange for an asset that could improve the balance of his books. For example, he could sell a few goats and get a cow. A cow is some regards is better asset as it has higher cultural value ( dowry, cultural fines, ox-tilling land); further it provides opportunity for regular income through sale of milk or by hiring it as plough ox .
The paradox in kumutambo kukhunyoa buyinda bukhakhunyoa
While the Maragoli attribute lack to luck, the Bukusu say ‘kumutambo kukhunyoa buyinda bukhakhunyoa!’ Better to be born into poverty than wealth. This saying professes that being born into wealth is no guarantee for anything. In fact, the judgement is harsher if you are born in wealth and die a pauper.
Seemingly, according to the Bukusu, your good fortune of being born with a silver spoon in your mouth may turn to be the biggest handicap to dying as a man or woman of means. This is because it could be that you by being born rich, all your luck is already spent. Or maybe it is said that it is harder keeping wealth that acquiring it, or maybe there is a chance that you may brat around and as the Bible says, soon parted with your money.
In conclusion
Finding a middle ground on the seemingly polar wisdom of these two Luhya proverbs on poverty educates us that whether you were born with a bowl in your hand or with a silver spoon in your mouth, you better get your hustle going. No excuses. Better for you if you realize early that your goats may not twin and work with this in mind. Because as the Bukusu proverb informs us, we should also to embrace hope because being born poor may prove to be the spark that sees efforts may bear fruit as you do everything not die poor.
I find it interesting that the hustle culture isn’t as new as I had thought. Human endeavor and the entrepreneurial spirit is something that even our African forefathers rooted for. So, what’s your excuse?
