Nomathemba
BlAQ DIAMOND Lyrics
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UNomathemba
UNomathemba
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseMnambithi uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
Ubobuya, ubobuya, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ubobuya, ubobuya, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ubobuya njalo, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ubobuya njalo, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ng′nok' cabang′ izinto, ezibulala len' eyam' inhliziyo
Ng′nok′ cabang' izinto, ezibulala len′ eyam' inhliziyo
Ubobuya wena, eh mawugudl′ uzubuye nganeno
Ubobuya wena, eh mawugudl' uzubuye nganeno
Eh nganeno, eh nganeno, eh mawugudl′ uzubuye nganeno
Ubobuya wena, eh mawugudl' uzubuye nganeno
Ubobuya wena, eh mawugudl' uzubuye nganeno
Eh nganeno, eh nganeno, eh mawugudl′ uzubuye nganeno
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseMnambithi uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad′ encane
UseMnambithi uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
UseGol' uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad′ encane
Ubobuya, ubobuya, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ubobuya, ubobuya, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ubobuya njalo, ubobuya Nomathemba
Ubobuya njalo, ubobuya Nomathemba
The lyrics to Blaq Diamond's "Nomathemba" entreat the titular character to return, repeating her name as a refrain throughout the song. The verses describe the ways in which Nomathemba has caused pain, leading the singer to think obsessively over the things that have hurt them. The lines "Ng'nok' cabang' izinto, ezibulala len' eyam' inhliziyo," suggest that this obsession is causing them emotional harm as well.
Despite this, the singer still longs for Nomathemba's return, and the final verses paint a picture of them waiting and hoping for her to come back. The call-and-response structure of the song, with the repeated "UseGol' uNomathemba" and "Ubobuya, ubobuya," add to its sense of urgency and longing.
It is possible that the song's lyrics are inspired by a South African folk tale. In the tale, a young girl named Nomathemba is given a mysterious singing bird with the power to bring healing to her village. When she leaves to find her missing father, the bird becomes despondent and stops singing, causing distress to the people of the village.
Line by Line Meaning
UNomathemba
An expression of a person's name, possibly representing someone the singer is addressing or referring to.
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
Nomathemba, who is like a gold nugget, doesn't need to write insignificant things.
UseMnambithi uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad′ encane
Nomathemba, who is like a plant that grows on rocky ground, doesn't need to write insignificant things.
Ubobuya, ubobuya, ubobuya Nomathemba
Nomathemba will return, repeatedly.
Ng′nok' cabang′ izinto, ezibulala len' eyam' inhliziyo
Thinking about things that kill the heart is pointless.
Ubobuya wena, eh mawugudl′ uzubuye nganeno
You will return again and again, and make me happy with your sweet voice.
Eh nganeno, eh nganeno, eh mawugudl′ uzubuye nganeno
Oh sweet voice, oh sweet voice, come back again and again to make me happy.
UseGol′ uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
Nomathemba, who is like a gold nugget, doesn't need to write insignificant things.
UseMnambithi uNomathemba, akasabhali nencwad' encane
Nomathemba, who is like a plant that grows on rocky ground, doesn't need to write insignificant things.
Ubobuya, ubobuya, ubobuya Nomathemba
Nomathemba will return, repeatedly.
Writer(s): Siyabulela Ndumiso Mdletshe,, Mbongi Siphelele Dunywa,
Contributed by Elijah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.