Black President
Brenda Fassie Lyrics

The year 1963
This line refers to the year when the people's president was taken away by security men.

The people's president
This line represents the leader who was taken away from the people, and was their choice to lead.

Was taken away by security men
This line describes the fact that the leader was removed by force with the help of armed security forces.

All dressed in a uniform
This line highlights that the security men were dressed in uniform, representing an authoritarian regime.

The brutality, brutality
This line emphasizes the extreme and violent treatment of the president at the hands of his captors.

Oh no, my, my black president
This line expresses dismay at the unfair and unjust treatment of the people's chosen leader.

Him and his comrades
This line refers to the president and his fellow activists who fought alongside him for freedom.

Were sentenced to isolation
This line speaks to the punishment the president and his comrades received, which was to be isolated from society.

For many painful years
This line indicates that the punishment was severe and prolonged, causing immense suffering.

Many painful years
This line emphasizes the long period of isolation and punishment that the president and his comrades endured.

Of hard labor
This line suggests that their isolation included hard physical work and labor under difficult conditions.

They broke rocks
This line describes the hard labor that the president and his comrades were forced to do.

But the spirit was never broken
This line illustrates the resilience and strength of the president and his comrades, who remained committed to their cause despite the hardships.

Oh no, my, my black president
This line repeats the earlier expression of dismay and sadness at the injustice done to the president and his comrades.

Hmm maa, hmm maa, hmm ma mama
This line is a vocalization that adds musicality to the song without carrying a specific meaning.

Hmm maa, hmm maa, hmm ma Madiba
This line is a tribute to the president who this song is about.

Ahh uyem-yem
This line is another vocalization that adds to the musicality of the song.

Let us rejoice for our president
This line is a call to celebrate the release of the president and his subsequent ascension to power.

Let us sing for our president
This line is a call to express joy and happiness through song for the newly released president.

Let us pray for our president
This line is a call for people to include the president in their prayers as he takes on the duties of leading the country.

Let us sing, let us dance
This line is an invitation to express joy and happiness through song and dance.

For Madiba, Madiba's freedom
This line ties together the previous lines and reinforces the idea that the celebration is for the freedom of the president and his subsequent leadership role.

Now in 1990
This line marks the year when the people's president was released from jail.

Came out from jail
This line describes the momentous occasion of the president's release from prison.

Raised up his hand and said
This line highlights the triumphant moment when the president was able to show his freedom and address the people.

"Viva, viva, my people"
This line is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgement of the people's support towards the cause of freedom.

He walked the long road
This line acknowledges the long journey to freedom that the president had to endure.

Back, back to freedom
This line highlights the significance of the president's release from prison and return to a society that has fought for their freedom.

Freedom for my black president
This line celebrates the president's much-awaited return to a society that values freedom and equality for all.

We thank You Lord,
This line expresses thanks to the divine for the release of the president and the achievement of freedom.

For listening to our prayers
This line acknowledges the power of prayer and the community's collective efforts to attain freedom.

I will die for my president
This line expresses one's loyalty and commitment to the president's cause, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.

I will sing for my president
This line is a call to celebrate and express joy and gratitude through song in honor of the president.

I will stand and say
This line symbolizes one's readiness to take a stand and support the president and his cause.

Viva, viva, viva, viva, viva, viva my president
This line repeats the earlier tribute of the president and his cause with even more emphasis and passion.