Black Umfolosi are a multi-discipline performing arts group, based in Bulaw… Read Full Bio ↴Black Umfolosi are a multi-discipline performing arts group, based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The group began as a means of entertaining themselves while still at school in 1982. They have since become an internationally acclaimed harmonic acappella singing and traditional African dance group. the original six members have developed their skills and their organization to a point where the now 18 members provide a multitude of services in the performing arts industry in Zimbabwe and internationally. Compared to the likes of Lady Smith Black Mambazo of South Africa, Black Umfolosi, tour extensively from their homeland Zimbabwe to the UK, Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada and the USA. They have released a number of recordings that feature singing styles of Imbube, Mbaqanga and Township songs. Their dynamic live performances showcase the traditional dancing styles of the Southern African region as well as the more contemporary styles and movements they develop themselves. Black Umfolosi is much more than a performing group; they are active in training others, particularly the youth, in dance and voice. They try to identify and develop up and coming groups and mentor them along their path to success. They provide workshops and residences in dance, voice, theatre, costume design, poetry, mime and also address various issues affecting society today. In short, Black Umfolosi are a community driven organization aiming to give back to people what they themselves have received. The group run various outreach programmes both at home and internationally, and does a lot of development educational work with universities, hospitals, prisons, community centres and other arts institutions.

Helele Mama Afrika
Black Umfolosi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uyelele mama uyelele mama (Helele mama helele mama)

Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Zimbabwe (Helele mama helele mama)
Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Oh Zambiya (Helele mama helele mama)

Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)

Malawi (Helele mama helele mama)
Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Mozambique (Helele mama helele mama)

Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Angola (Helele mama helele mama)
Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Botswana (Helele mama helele mama)

Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Oh Lesotho (Helele mama helele mama)
Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
Oh Swaziland (Helele mama helele mama)

Awuye (Helele mama helele mama)
South Africa (Helele mama helele mama)

Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)

Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)

Ho Morocco (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Somalia (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Ghana (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Nigeria (Helele mama helele mama)

Ho Gambia (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Ciera Lion (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Egypt (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)

Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)

Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Africa (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Zimbabwe (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Zimbabwe (Helele mama helele mama)

Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)

Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)

Ho Euthopia (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Uganda (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Kenya (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Tanzania (Helele mama helele mama)

Ho Ghana (Helele mama helele mama)
Ho Nigeria (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)

Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)
Siyajabula thina (Helele mama helele mama)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song 'Helele Mama Afrika' by Black Umfolosi express a deep sense of pride and celebration for the African continent. The first verse repeats the phrase 'Helele mama' followed by the names of various African countries, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The chorus 'Siyajabula Thina' means 'We are happy' in Zulu, a South African language. The chorus is repeated after the mention of each country, emphasizing the joy and happiness felt in celebrating the diverse cultures and peoples of Africa.

The second verse continues to list various African countries, including Morocco, Somalia, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The chorus is repeated after the mention of each country, reinforcing the joy and pride in African solidarity. The song ends with a final repetition of 'Siyajabula Thina' followed by the phrase 'Ho Zimbabwe,' emphasizing the importance and significance of Zimbabwe in the African continent.

Overall, the lyrics of 'Helele Mama Afrika' celebrate the unity, cultural richness, and diversity of Africa, bringing a sense of pride and joy to the listener.

Line by Line Meaning

Uyelele mama uyelele mama
Sing, mother, sing

Awuye
Come

Zimbabwe
To Zimbabwe

Oh Zambiya
To Zambia

Malawi
To Malawi

Mozambique
To Mozambique

Ho Angola
To Angola

Botswana
To Botswana

Oh Lesotho
To Lesotho

Oh Swaziland
To Swaziland

South Africa
To South Africa