Welele
Letta Mbulu Lyrics

Letta Mbulu's song Welele is a traditional African song about a woman who is in distress and seeks the help of Dlamini. The first two stanzas of the song are sung by the women who are trying to call out to Dlamini for help. In the first stanza, they sing "Welele oh welele mntakwethu, Manene oh khanindichazele", which translates to "Call out to me, my brother, and listen to my cry". They are crying out for help as they are in a difficult situation and want to be heard.

In the second stanza, the women sing "Ndoyik'amakhwenkwe, Anokuziqhenya, Hayi abafana banokundidela", which translates to "I am still young, yet they bother me, these boys who harass and follow me.". This stanza speaks to the struggles that women face on a daily basis, being harassed and followed by men even when they don't want to be. The women are calling out for help from Dlamini, who they believe can protect them.

The rest of the song is a plea from Letta Mbulu to be with someone she loves. She sings "Ndibendilala mantombazana ndifuna wena, Andisalal'ekhaya" which means "I'm sleeping here, young lady, I want you, I can't sleep at home". Mbulu's plea comes from an emotional and vulnerable place. She is saying she can't be at home because she needs to be with the one she loves.

Overall, the song Welele has a heavy focus on seeking help and protection. It highlights the struggles women face, particularly in relation to harassment from men. The song ends on a note of desperation and wanting, with Letta Mbulu's plea for the one she loves.