Jikijela
Letta Mbulu Lyrics
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Ushaya ngamatye
Jikijela ngamatye
Ushaya. ngamatye
Jikijela ngamatye
(Jikijela ngamatye)
Jikijela ngamatye
Jikijela ngamatye
Jikijela ngamatye
Ushaya ngamatye
Jikijela ngamatye
The lyrics to Letta Mbulu's song Jikijela are primarily in Zulu and their translation roughly means "turn, burn, disappear and scatter away." The title of the song, "Jikijela," itself means "turn and scatter away," and the lyrics draw on various Zulu idioms, proverbs and symbolism to express feelings of frustration, anger, and fear.
The repetitive nature of the lyrics, with "Jikijela ngamatye" and "Ushaya ngamatye" being repeated multiple times, might suggest that the song is intended to be a kind of chant or call to action, urging people to turn away from the negative and harmful things in their lives and to instead focus on what's positive and good. The use of the word "ngamatye" also adds to this effect, as it literally means "with ashes," indicating that the things being left behind are to be burned away and forgotten.
Additionally, the use of the word "ushaya" (to beat) suggests a sense of violence or aggression, perhaps indicating a need to fight against oppression or injustice. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Letta Mbulu wrote the song while living in the US during the height of the civil rights movement, and the lyrics may be seen as a reflection of her experiences as a black woman in a country undergoing significant social and political upheaval.
Overall, Jikijela is a powerful song whose meaning and message still resonate today, more than 40 years after its original release.
Line by Line Meaning
Jikijela ngamatye
Step on the thorns
Ushaya ngamatye
You hit against the thorns
Jikijela ngamatye
Step on the thorns
Ushaya ngamatye
You hit against the thorns
Jikijela ngamatye
Step on the thorns
Jikijela ngamatye
Step on the thorns
Jikijela ngamatye
Step on the thorns
Ushaya ngamatye
You hit against the thorns
Jikijela ngamatye
Step on the thorns
Writer(s): c. semenya
Contributed by Callie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@thesparepartshop
Throw in the stones
We will stone them
When will you come back?
Throw in the stones
We will stone them
When will you come back?
Throw in the stones
We will stone them
When the cows come back
Throw in the stones
We will stone them
When the cows come back
Throw in the stones
The cows will never come back
Throw in the stones
Throw in the stones
Throw in the stones
Throw in the stones
We will stone them
When the cows come back
@palesadladla680
It's 2023 and I'm still listening to this song! WAS MY FATHER'S FAVE🥺❤️
@missquemonate7036
I'm here 2020 listen to the legend who's with me?
@ciamusicworld5098
Missque Monate im here 😭😭😭😭
@mthuthuzelimakeleni2960
Mthuthuzeli Makeleni classic - never dies
@zandisilegura9881
2021 sisi... we are here... listening to uMam' uLetta
@setlharethapelo2732
Is 2022 still in lobe with the song of struggle 😭👊🏿🖤
As long as we're not equal in Msanzi is not yet uhuru
@disebolekhu6098
2023 I'm listening ❤❤❤
@QuotesFromTheMotherland
Black South Africans, Never forget how great you are! Our Land in Our lifetime!
@mightyginza3182
True Nkuli and God Bless😘
@bozm9961
My dad and I bonded deeply listening to this wonderful singer, RIP dad I am still listening to the songs and your profound teachings I hear you well, how I love you Mahlambi.❤💯