Letta Mbulu (Soweto, 23 August 1942) is a South African jazz singer born an… Read Full Bio ↴Letta Mbulu (Soweto, 23 August 1942) is a South African jazz singer born and raised in Soweto, South Africa. She has been active since the 1960s, but left South Africa due to Apartheid in 1965 and moved to the United States. There she worked with Cannonball Adderley and Harry Belafonte. Her singing can also be heard in Roots (TV miniseries), The Color Purple, and she was a guest on a Season 6 episode of Soul Train.

Wacha
Letta Mbulu Lyrics

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Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha ngumlilo (Watsha)
Bhasobha mntwana (Watsha)

Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha ngumlilo (Watsha)

Bhasobha mntwana (Watsha)

Watsha baleka
Tyhini mntwana
Watsha
Baleka mntwana

Watsha baleka
Tyhini mntwana
Watsha
Baleka mntwana

Baleka, baleka wena hamba mntwanami
Baleka uyatsha

Baleka, baleka mntwana
Baleka uyatsha

Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha ngumlilo (Watsha)
Bhasobha mntwana (Watsha)

Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Watsha, watsha ngumlilo (Watsha)
Bhasobha mntwana (Watsha)

Watsha baleka
Tyhini mntwana
Watsha
Baleka mntwana

Watsha baleka
Tyhini mntwana
Watsha
Baleka mntwana

Baleka, baleka wena hamba mntwanami
Baleka uyatsha

Baleka, baleka wena hamba mntwanami
Baleka uyatsha

Baleka, baleka, baleka, baleka
Baleka uyatsha

Baleka, baleka, baleka, baleka
Baleka tyhini mama uyatsha

Baleka, baleka, baleka, baleka
Baleka uyatsha

Baleka, baleka, baleka, baleka

Overall Meaning

The song "Wacha" by Letta Mbulu is largely repetitive, with the main focus being on the repeated phrase "watsha, watsha, watsha". The song is sung in the Zulu language, and the phrase "watsha" roughly translates to "burn" or "ignite". The repeated use of this word in the song can be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging listeners to ignite their passion and take action towards their goals.

The rest of the lyrics are also repetitive, with the phrase "baleka mntwana" being used multiple times. This phrase means "run away, child", and can be interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is that it is a call to action for the child to escape from a dangerous situation and find safety. Another interpretation is that it is a call for the child to run towards their dreams and aspirations, to take action and not hold back.

Overall, "Wacha" is a high-energy song that can be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to ignite their passion, take action towards their goals, and run towards their dreams without hesitation.

Line by Line Meaning

Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Repeating the word 'Watsha' in excitement

Watsha, watsha ngumlilo (Watsha)
Continuing to repeat 'Watsha', meaning 'fire' or 'excitement'

Bhasobha mntwana (Watsha)
Encouraging or urging someone to join in the excitement

Watsha baleka
Encouraging someone to run away with excitement or anticipation

Tyhini mntwana
Encouraging someone to run away quietly and quickly

Baleka mntwana
Encouraging someone to run away with excitement

Baleka, baleka wena hamba mntwanami
Encouraging someone to go away, possibly in danger and urging them to take care

Baleka uyatsha
Encouraging someone to run away with excitement

Baleka, baleka mntwana
Encouraging someone to go away with excitement

Baleka, baleka wena hamba mntwanami
Encouraging someone to go away, possibly in danger and urging them to take care

Watsha, watsha, watsha (Watsha)
Continuing to repeat 'Watsha', meaning 'fire' or 'excitement'