S'bali
Joe Nina Lyrics

The lyrics to Joe Nina's song S'bali are in Zulu, a language spoken in South Africa. The song is a tribute to the invaluable role played by grandparents in the upbringing of children. The lyrics talk about how grandparents are always there to provide support and guidance to their grandchildren when parents are absent. The chorus repeats the phrase "Awudeli yini na" which means "why aren't you coming back" and is directed at the absent parent. The song acknowledges the difficult circumstances that may lead to parents being absent and the need for extended family to step in and provide a stable environment for children.

The first verse talks about how the grandparent is always there to clean up after the child's father, mother, and neighbors when they neglect their children. The use of "ohlukumeza" which translates to "come to the rescue" emphasizes the role of the grandparent in proving a safe and stable environment for the children. The second verse talks about how the children cry for their mothers and fathers, and the grandparent is left to comfort them. The phrase "ziykhala ziykhala ingane zika mama/zikababa" translates to "the children cry for their mother/father". This highlights the emotional impact of parental absence on children. The song concludes by repeating the chorus with the addition of "Ngakubamba ngakufohloza" which means "I will hold you tight and protect you".