Hakuna Matata

Hakuna matata is a phrase in Swahili that Merriam-Webster translates as “no problems.” The term is well-known beyond Swahili-speaking areas in East Africa. In English, ‘hakuna matata’ means ‘no concerns’ and shares a carefree atmosphere with Bobby McFerrin’s renowned song ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Hakuna means “there is no” or “none” in Swahili, while matata indicates “trouble” or “problem.” Hakuna matata means “no problems” when combined.

The phrase has its own song, which you may have heard performed by Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King. The song drew global attention to the term, and tourists to East Africa began to use it so frequently that natives finally grew exhausted of it and stopped using it among themselves.

What does the phrase truly mean?

Hakuna matata means “no worries” or “no problems” in Swahili. It’s like saying, “There’s nothing to worry about” or “Everything is fine.” The phrase consists of two words: hakuna, which means “there isn’t” or “there aren’t,” and matata, which means “problems” or “troubles.” It is used to portray a carefree, easygoing attitude towards life—a simple reminder not to stress!

Does anyone in Africa say that phrase?

Hakuna matata is now often used by visitors in Tanzania and Kenya. The locals now use a similar term with the same meaning: hamna shida. Hamna is a more common synonym for hakuna, whereas shida implies “problem” or “difficulty.”

Both hakuna matata and hamna tatizo/shida commonly signify “all is well” or “nothing to worry about.”

A Tanzanian could remark tatizo shida kidogo (“a little problem”) when there is a reason to be concerned. In truth, there might be several problems, and they could be more serious, but it symbolizes the casual, carefree way of life that Tanzanians and, to a lesser extent, Kenyans take. Our guide has more intriguing Swahili terms and phrases.

Hakuna Matata song lyrics

In 1994, Disney Pictures Animation was ready to launch The Lion King series, in which the main character, a lion named Simba, loses his father. For those who are unfamiliar with how to say “lion” in Swahili, check out our blog! The heavy tale required the writers to find a method to lighten the tone and draw the viewers out of such emotional depths.

This is where the amusing characters Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog (whose name Pumbaa also derives from Swahili and means “to be foolish, silly, weak-minded, negligent”) appear.

These two exemplify the hakuna matata philosophy—life without cares. Timon and Pumbaa play pivotal roles in the plot, rescuing Simba in the desert and shifting the tone from sadness to laughter.

They required a snappy and memorable tune, and Sir Tim Rice composed many lyrics that didn’t quite reach the target. Then, one of the film’s filmmakers, Roger Allers, who had gone on safari in Kenya in the early 1990s, remembered hearing “phrase” from a guide. Tim Rice loved it so much that he swiftly wrote a lighthearted and whimsical Disney song for the joyful duet Timon and Pumbaa.

Is “phrase” a good word?

Yes! The popular Disney song encapsulates the lighthearted attitude of Hakuna Matata. Many people in rural Kenya, particularly in Tanzania, subscribe to this philosophy: they take life as it comes, appreciate simple pleasures, and avoid overcomplicating matters. This is basically what Timon and Pumbaa taught Simba.

When I was a young warthog…

Tim Rice had a good time penning “Warthog Rhapsody,” in which he explains why Pumbaa was expelled from the jungle: because of his odor. This amusing element became part of the song, which entertained young viewers.

Elton John composed the music. He was captivated by Disney’s innovative notion of creating a new narrative rather than reproducing a classic. They chose against a Broadway musical style, instead opting for a pop song that children would like and remember. That’s how the concept of hakuna matata came about.

Key lyrics of the song:

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase!

Hakuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze

It means no worries, for the rest of your days

It’s our problem-free philosophy

Hakuna Matata!

The song Hakuna Matata was nominated for an Oscar but lost to another song from The Lion King, the romantic Can You Feel the Love Tonight, written by Elton John and Timothy Rice.

For the complete lyrics, check Genius.

Millions of people remembered and enjoyed the song. This is how the word “hakuna matata” gained popularity well beyond East Africa.

If you visit Tanzania on safari or on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll most likely hear another song featuring the term hakuna matata.

Another Hakuna Matata

In Tanzania and Kenya, guests are frequently entertained with the song Jambo Bwana, which comprises the following words:

Jambo, Jambo, bwana

Habari gani, nzuri sana

Wageni, Mwakaribishwa

Tanzania hakuna matata

In Kenya, the final sentence sounds like Kenya yetu hakuna matata. This was the original rendition by the group Them Mushrooms, which was recorded in 1982, twelve years before Timon and Pumbaa.

Many musicians have covered Jambo Bwana, including versions such as Jambo Jambo and Hakuna Matata.

See our other article for additional information on the term “jambo.” We wish you a worry-free life and welcome you to Tanzania. Come to this wonderful nation and experience the hakuna matata concept firsthand!