Oxamu
Busi Mhlongo Lyrics


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Kwaxabana oxam’
Bexabana ngengxoxo
Bexakwe ingxuba ‘xaka

Kwaxabana oxam’
Bexabana ngengxoxo
Bexakwe ingxuba ‘xaka
Kwaxabana oxam’
Bexabana ngengxoxo
Bexakwe ingxuba ‘xaka

Hey, kwaxabana oxam’
Bexabana ngengxoxo
Bexakwe ingxuba ‘xaka

Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude

Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude

Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude

Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude

Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Oh, hey liqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude

Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Laqing’ eqhingeni
Qha-qhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Qha-qhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude




Oh, liqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Yeah, liqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude

Overall Meaning

The song "Oxamu" by Busi Mhlongo is a celebration of traditional Zulu oral practices - specifically, the art of storytelling. The repetitive chorus "Kwaxabana oxam', Bexabana ngengxoxo, Bexakwe ingxuba 'xaka" can be translated to mean "They were talking about the story, they were talking in riddles, they planted a seed in the heart." This emphasizes the significance of storytelling in Zulu culture, and how it can be used to impart wisdom and knowledge to future generations.


The verses of the song focus on the different elements of storytelling, such as the use of metaphor and riddles ("beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude") and the importance of listening and paying attention ("Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya, laqing' eqhingeni"). The song has a lively, upbeat tempo that reflects the joy and energy of storytelling as a communal activity.


Overall, "Oxamu" celebrates the power of storytelling as a way to preserve cultural traditions and pass down knowledge from generation to generation. It also emphasizes the importance of active listening and engagement in order to fully appreciate the messages being conveyed.


Line by Line Meaning

Kwaxabana oxam’
People are talking


Bexabana ngengxoxo
They are discussing gossip


Bexakwe ingxuba ‘xaka
All of it is about one specific secret


Hey, kwaxabana oxam’
Hey, people are talking


Bexabana ngengxoxo
They are discussing gossip


Bexakwe ingxuba ‘xaka
All of it is about one specific secret


Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Don't get me involved


Laqing’ eqhingeni
It's too dangerous


Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
They are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Don't get me involved


Laqing’ eqhingeni
It's too dangerous


Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
They are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Don't get me involved


Laqing’ eqhingeni
It's too dangerous


Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
They are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Don't get me involved


Laqing’ eqhingeni
It's too dangerous


Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
They are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Hayi-ke-le-gqi qheya
Don't get me involved


Laqing’ eqhingeni
It's too dangerous


Oh, hey liqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Oh, hey they are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Qha-qhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Shh, they are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Qha-qhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Shh, they are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Beliqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
They are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Oh, liqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Oh, they are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice


Yeah, liqhatha, liqhatha, ngeqhotho leqhude
Yeah, they are whispering, whispering, in a hushed voice




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SELLO TWALA SELLO TWALA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@mondekamabibini4160

Beliqhatha liqhatha ngeqhotho leqhude 
nithi belenzan belenzann

Iqhinga eqhingeni
Qhi qhi qhi qhi qhiiiing eqhingeni
ayke lee gqi iqhing eqhingeni
hay liqatha 
Qha qha qha liqhatha ngeqhudeeeeee
leli qheye leliqheya liyanqhathaa

woooh mama Busie rest in peace qhawekazi



All comments from YouTube:

@reneiloenyepele948

I love you so much Busi..listening to you on my first hour of 2023...I miss your magical performances Queen..May you continue to rest in peace🙏

@sedibedimpho7583

2022 I’m here getting goosebumps from this amazing performance 😌

@tshepangmokgara992

It pains me that i never got to see this magical performer Live..........what an amazing talent Mam Busi was

@bm.mot.1074

I mean.... this is poetry.. this is the scariest scale of consciousness.... Forever love Busi

@cindymathe2391

Can't believe she was my mentor for years before she died.

@refilwemogale3596

The most talented female vocalist of all time… blessed beyond measure…

@PeterMosley

Love this woman. Brightened my life knowing her. Peace and love, peace and love you magnificent Zulu Warrior Goddess!

@siphokazingxito5092

A song by Mirriam Makeba. She must have been so proud... ooxam. May their souls RIP

@jeromelj1010

I've held that stick in her hand. Blessed to have met this legend

@mthunzimhlongo660

YOU WERE BLESSED

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