Jazz trombonist and composer Jonas Gwangwa (born: Jonas Mosa Gwangwa) has p… Read Full Bio ↴Jazz trombonist and composer Jonas Gwangwa (born: Jonas Mosa Gwangwa) has played an influential role in the evolution of South African jazz. A member, along with jazz pianist Abudllah Ibrahim (then, known as Dollar Brand), of the Jazz Epistles, the first Black South African to release an album, Gwangwa has gone on to become an award-winning composer. In addition to composing the scores of such films as Cry Freedom, Generations and Othello, Gwangwa composed the theme music of South Africa's Olympic bid in 1997. Gwangwa was one of many talented musicians mentored by South African alto saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi in the early-1950s. Following the disbanding of the Jazz Epistles in 1959, Gwangwa continued to make his presence known amongst South Africa's jazz enthusiasts. His fame spread to the United States in the mid-1960s. In 1965, Gwangwa was featured in a "Sound Of Africa" concert at Carnegie Hall, sharing the stage with Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Letta Mbulu. Two years later, he returned tio the United States to participate in a national tour, "The Main Event", featuring Masekela and Herb Alpert. Despite his hefty reputation, Gwangwa remained a victim of apartheid. When the South African government passed laws making it illegal for Blacks to congregate, in the early 1970s, Gwangwa left his homeland. After touring Europe in a musical production of King Kong, he continued on to the United States, where he attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York. With the encouragement and patronage of Harry Belafonte, Gwangwa was able to . successfully break through to American audiences. Continuing to break new ground as a composer and arranger, Gwangwa served ten years as musical director of the ANC cultural ensemble tour, "Amandla". In 1987 and 1988, he collaborated with George Fenton to compose the score for the Richard Attenborough film, Cry Freedom. In addition to being nominated for Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe awards, the film received Ivor Bovello and Black Emmy awards. Gwangwa returned to South Africa in 1991.

Yihla Moya
Jonas Gwangwa Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yihla Moya Oyingcwele Ngen'entliz'weni zethu
Zigcwale ngothando lwakho Olungapheliyo
Usisonka sempilo
Ndozakuwe ndingekalambi
Ngegazelisindisayo
Ngonaphakade
Malibongwe igama lakhe,
Malibongwe igama leNkosi, Makabongwe u Yesu Krestu

UyiNkosi yamakhosi
Hee, Malibongwe igama lakhe,
Ndithi Malibongwe igama leNkosi Makabongwe u Yesu Krestu
UyiNkosi uyiNkosi yamakhosi
Yesu wam Yesu wam nyana kaThixo Ndicela uxolo,
Yesu wam, Yesu wam Ndiphe amandla ndibe ngowakho wedwa.
Yesu wam Yesu wam nyana kaThixo, Ndicela uxolo,
Yesu wam Yesu wam Ndiphe amandla ndibe ngowakho wedwa.
Usisonka sempilo
Ndozakuwe ndingekalambi Ngegazelisindisayo ngonaphakade
Ndithembele kuwe Yesu
Nguwe oza'ndikhululula
Hlala nam ungandishiyi ebunzimeni
Malibongwe, Malibongwe, Malibongwe,
Malibongwe, Malibongwe, Malibongwe, Malibongwe,
Igama leNkosi makabongwe uYesu Krestu
UyiNkosi yamakhosi
Malibongwe, Malibongwe, Malibongwe,
Malibongwe, Malibongwe, Malibongwe, Igama leNkosi
Makabongwe uYesu Krestu
UyiNkosi, uyinkosi yamakhosi
Ndithembele kuwe Yesu,
Nguwe ozawndikhululula
Hlala nam ungandishiyi ebunzimeni
Yesu wam, hlala nam ungandishiyi Ebunzimeni,

Hlala nam ungandishiyi ebunzimeni
Amen, amen, amen halleluja

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jonas Gwangwa's Yihla Moya express the desire for the Holy Spirit to enter and fill one's being with love that never fades away. The song begins with a call for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell in the hearts of those singing, and for this love to wrap around them entirely. This love is referred to as the "oxygen of life" and the "hope of salvation." The lyrics show how the Holy Spirit can provide strength and comfort through the challenges of life, and the singer's trust in Jesus to provide guidance and freedom. The repetition of the phrase "Malibongwe igama leNkosi," which translates to "Praise the name of the Lord," reinforces the singer's faith and admiration of God.

Overall, the song is a prayer to the Holy Spirit to fill the singer's heart with never-ending love, hope, and guidance. It is a tribute to the power and beauty of the Christian faith, and an expression of joy and gratitude.

Line by Line Meaning

Yihla Moya Oyingcwele Ngen'entliz'weni zethu
Come Holy Spirit into our midst

Zigcwale ngothando lwakho Olungapheliyo
Embrace us with Your never-ending love

Usisonka sempilo
Our daily bread

Ndozakuwe ndingekalambi
We surrender ourselves to You

Ngegazelisindisayo Ngonaphakade
As our everlasting Savior

Malibongwe igama lakhe,
Praise His name

Malibongwe igama leNkosi, Makabongwe u Yesu Krestu
Praise the name of the Lord, Blessed be Jesus Christ

UyiNkosi yamakhosi
King of Kings

Yesu wam Yesu wam nyana kaThixo Ndicela uxolo,
My Jesus, Son of God, I pray for peace

Yesu wam, Yesu wam Ndiphe amandla ndibe ngowakho wedwa.
My Jesus, give me strength to stand alone

Ndithembele kuwe Yesu
I put my trust in You Jesus