Mafikizolo is an Afro-pop group/band from South Africa. It is made up of le… Read Full Bio ↴Mafikizolo is an Afro-pop group/band from South Africa. It is made up of lead singer/composer Nhlanhla Sibongile Mafu Nciza and songwriter/composer/singer Theo Kgosinkwe. Tebogo Benedict Madingoane (rapper) was shot dead in a road incident in 2004.
Their music is also influenced by kwaito and they have been credited with a genre called Kwela after their style of music. It has been described as kwaito-cum-marabi house music. Their music deals with pertinent social issues such as women and children abuse, poverty, the importance of education and the dangers of casual sex. They have performed all over Southern Africa and have a fan base all over the world.
Mafikizolo visits HIV/AIDS Care Centres and Youth Centres around the country and is heavily involved in community work and youth development through the Youth Development Troika of National Youth Commission, South African Youth Council and Umsobovu Youth Fund.
Their hit track "Ndihamba Nawe" which was inspired by Sophie Mgcina's 1960's recording of "Mmangwane" has been one of the most popular African songs of the 21st century. They have enjoyed more success with albums like Sibongile, Kwela, Van toeka af, Six Mabone.
Sibongile, Marabi, Morena, O tswa kae, Ubahlula Bonke, Mahkwapheni, Bangradesh, Ndihamba Nawe, Ndifuna Wena, The Journey, Sebenza, Loot, Goliwood, Msheli, Ndixolele, Ndashata, Sebuyile, Udakwa Najlo, Munt'omnyama, Gugo'thandayo, Dance Mood, etc

Marabi
Mafikizolo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Namhlanj' uyahamba
Ubheke leGoli
Ubheke leGoli mntwanami

Namhlanj' uyahamba
Ubheke leGoli
Ubheke leGoli mntwanami

Uye Goli
Heyi uye Goli uqaphele mntanami
Uye Goli
Heyi uye Goli uqaphele mntanami

Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli

Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami

O ba bone bo tsotsi ba Jozi
Bo tsotsi ba Jozi
U qaphela mntwanami
O ba bone bo tsotsi ba Jozi
Bo tsotsi ba Jozi
U qaphele mntwanami

Uye Goli
Heyi uye Goli qaphela mntwanami
Uye Goli
Heyi uye Goli qaphela mntwanami

Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli

Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami

Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi ri pi ri ri
Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi pi ri ri

Pi ri pi pi pi pi pi ri pi
Pi ri pi pi pi pi pi ri pi
Pi ri pi pi pi pi pi ri pi
Pi ri pi pi pi pi pi ri pi

Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi ri pi ri ri
Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi
Pi ri pi pi pi ri ri

Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami
Pa ra re ta

Pa ra re ta
Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami

Overall Meaning

The song "Marabi" is an upbeat tune by South African duo Mafikizolo. The lyrics describe the excitement of going to Johannesburg (or "Jozi"), which is often seen as the "city of gold" due to its history as a center of the gold mining industry. The singer is excitedly on their way to Jozi, keeping an eye out for the glittering city as they travel. They also warn their companion to be careful and watch out for the "tsotsis" (slang for criminals), emphasizing the need to protect themselves.

The repetitive phrases throughout the song, such as "pa ra re ta," "pi ri pi pi," and "ubheke leGoli," serve to create a lively and energetic vibe that reflects the excitement of the journey. The use of both Zulu and English lyrics also reflects the multilingual and multicultural nature of South Africa.

Overall, "Marabi" is a celebration of the vibrancy and excitement of South African culture, and the potential dangers of navigating a complex and bustling city like Johannesburg.

Line by Line Meaning

Namhlanj' uyahamba
Today you are leaving

Ubheke leGoli
Look at Johannesburg

Ubheke leGoli mntwanami
Look at Johannesburg my child

Uye Goli
Going to Johannesburg

Heyi uye Goli uqaphele mntanami
No going to Johannesburg, take care of yourself my child

Mina ngihamba ngiz'bheke leGoli
I am leaving, looking at Johannesburg

Pa ra re ta
Sound effect

Pa ra re ta qaphela mntwanami
The sound effect means take care of yourself my child

O ba bone bo tsotsi ba Jozi
They saw the tsotsis in Jozi

Bo tsotsi ba Jozi
The tsotsis of Jozi

U qaphela mntwanami
Take care of yourself my child