Black South African leader Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1962. "Asimbonanga" was written while he was still in prison, and its lyrics alluded to his absence from society, as well as mentioning other anti-apartheid activists by name, including Steve Biko (who was also the subject of the 1980 Peter Gabriel’s song "Biko"), Victoria Mxenge and Neil Aggett.
At a 1999 performance by Clegg, Mandela joined the band on stage for their performance of "Asimbonanga", and danced while the song was played.
Asimbonanga
Johnny Clegg and Savuka Lyrics
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Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
Look across the Island into the Bay
We are all islands 'til comes the day
We cross the burning water
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
A seagull wings across the sea
Broken silence is what I dream
Who has the words to close the distance
Between you and me
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Steven Biko
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'wafela khona
Victoria Mxenge
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'wafela khona
Neil Aggett
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'wafela khona
Hey wena
Hey wena nawe
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona, la'siyakhona
Hey wena
Hey wena nawe
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona, la'siyakhona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
The lyrics to Johnny Clegg and Savuka's song "Asimbonanga" are a plea for the release of Nelson Mandela from prison during the Apartheid era in South Africa. The repeated line "Asimbonanga uMandela thina" translates to "we have not seen Mandela" in English. The lyrics also mention other political activists who were killed or detained by the Apartheid regime, including Steven Biko, Victoria Mxenge, and Neil Aggett. The song is a call for unity and the breaking down of barriers between people.
The first stanza of the lyrics sets the scene with references to the cold sea and grey sky. The second stanza uses the metaphor of islands to express the idea that individuals are detached and separate until they come together to overcome a common struggle. The third and fourth stanzas express a desire for communication and understanding between people. The repeated use of the phrase "Asimbonanga" emphasizes the need for Mandela's release and for him to become a symbol of hope and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Asimbonanga
We have not seen him
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
We have not seen Mandela
Laph'ekhona
In the place where he is
Laph'ehleli khona
In the place where he is kept
Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
The environment is unpleasant and unwelcoming
Look across the Island into the Bay
Focus attention on the location where Mandela is imprisoned
We are all islands 'til comes the day
We are all isolated and disconnected from each other
We cross the burning water
We overcome the obstacles and challenges that keep us apart
A seagull wings across the sea
An image of freedom and movement
Broken silence is what I dream
An aspiration for freedom and expression
Who has the words to close the distance
Who can bring us together
Between you and me
Between people who are separated
Steven Biko
A call for remembrance of the anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody
Victoria Mxenge
A call for remembrance of the anti-apartheid activist who was assassinated
Neil Aggett
A call for remembrance of the anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody
Hey wena
Hey you
Hey wena nawe
Hey you and me
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona, la'siyakhona
When will we arrive, we are almost there
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT (FRANCE), RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind