Mahlathini was known as the "Lion of Soweto" (his voice was a low, "gravel-like" groan) and was well known throughout South Africa and neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Botswana during his career. He began singing in the 1950s, often working in conjunction with top producer Rupert Bopape at EMI South Africa, and often performing with the girl group the Dark City Sisters. When Bopape moved to Gallo Record Company in 1964 to start up the new African subsidiary, Mavuthela Music, he brought Mahlathini with him. The bass vocalist's career then took off. He was backed by Bopape's newly-formed Makgona Tsohle Band (soon to become the hardest-working mbaqanga session team in the country, led by the country's electric guitar pioneer Marks Mankwane as well as saxophone star West Nkosi) and often recorded with Bopape's newly-formed (and highly-successful) Mahotella Queens.
Mahotella Queens was initially a group of five female vocalists established at the Mavuthela division in 1964 by Bopape, who introduced Hilda Tloubatla to sing the main lead vocals. The Queens began recording hit singles and albums with their backing, the Makgona Tsohle Band, and were often fronted by Mahlathini. In 1971, Mahlathini signed with rival company EMI, and the original Queens all ended up joining rival girl groups. Bopape formed a new Mahotella Queens line-up, who most notably recorded the 1977 album Izibani Zomgqashiyo with Robert "Mbazo" Mkhize (in the place of Mahlathini). In 1983, the original five Queens (Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu, Mildred Mangxola, Juliet Mazamisa and Ethel Mngomezulu) reunited with Mahlathini and the Makgona Tsohle Band with the comeback release Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo (Heroes of Mgqashiyo Music). After one more hiatus, three of the Queens (Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola) regrouped full-time in 1986.
Gazette
Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayi ku hluvukile ka gaza n'wino
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Ayi nga langutani sweswi kuna ti bazi
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
A hi tsakeni ku na switimela
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Eh hi hluvukile ku na ti bazi
Eh tsakani we magaza
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Ayi ku hluvukile ka hina n'wino
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Africa
Ukujabula kwakho
Kushukuma zonk'izizwe
Ay, ukugiya kwakho
Kujabulisa zonk'izintaba
Giya aw woza
Giya woza
Yawuz'umoya eshe woza
Giya woza (Aha-ha-ha)
Giya woza, yawuz'umoya (Ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet)
Giya woza
This is our kind of rhythm in Africa
We send our messages through music
Is our tradition in Africa
This is our kind of rhythm in Africa
We send our messages through music
Is our tradition in Africa
Come on, come on, let's sing together now
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
(Oh yes) Is nice
(Oh yes) So nice
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
(Oh yes) Do it again
(Oh yes) Is so sweet
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
(Oh yes) Kwa nandika
(Oh yes) Is nice, nice
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Hayi ku hluvukile ka hina n'wina
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Ayi nga langutani sweswi kuna ti bazi
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Se tsakani we magaza
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
The lyrics to the Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens’s song Gazette celebrate African culture and traditions. The phrase “ku hluvukile ka zet” translates to “our rhythm has awakened,” illustrating the power of music to awaken and uplift the spirit. The repetitive use of “aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet” emphasizes the joy and excitement that comes with participating in African music and culture. The lyrics also mention the power of music to unite people from different nations and regions, as “ukugiya kwakho” means “your music makes all nations happy.”
In the second verse, the lyrics reference the role of music in the African tradition of sending messages. Music allows for messages to be conveyed in a fun and engaging way, bringing people together and spreading important information or ideas. The song encourages everyone to join in and sing together in celebration of African culture.
Overall, the lyrics to Gazette celebrate the power of music to awaken and unite people, and emphasizes the importance of African culture and traditions.
Line by Line Meaning
Hayi ku hluvukile ka hina n'wino
Our spirits have not yet awakened
Ayi ku hluvukile ka gaza n'wino
Our courage has not yet awakened
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
Laughing, our rhythm has awakened
Ayi nga langutani sweswi kuna ti bazi
We should not forget about those who know the way
A hi tsakeni ku na switimela
Let's not forget about the trains
Eh hi hluvukile ku na ti bazi
Let our spirits be awakened with the knowledge of those who know the way
Eh tsakani we magaza
Let's not forget the gazettes
Ayi ku hluvukile ka hina n'wino
Our spirits have not yet awakened
Africa
This is our African rhythm
Ukujabula kwakho
We celebrate with you
Kushukuma zonk'izizwe
It uplifts all nations
Ay, ukugiya kwakho
We love what you're doing
Kujabulisa zonk'izintaba
It brings joy to all the mountains
Giya aw woza
Come, come now
Giya woza
Come, let's go
Yawuz'umoya eshe woza
Let the wind blow as we go
This is our kind of rhythm in Africa
Our music represents our culture
We send our messages through music
Our music communicates our thoughts and feelings
Is our tradition in Africa
Expressing ourselves through music is a part of our African heritage
Come on, come on, let's sing together now
Let's unite and sing with one voice
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
Expressions of enjoyment and excitement
(Oh yes) Is nice
We are enjoying ourselves
(Oh yes) So nice
We are really enjoying ourselves
(Oh yes) Do it again
Let's repeat this enjoyable experience
(Oh yes) Is so sweet
This is a really delightful experience
(Oh yes) Kwa nandika
This is truly enjoyable
Se tsakani we magaza
Let us remember the gazettes
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: NGOBENI OBED, NKOSI WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kafuiamrago4730
If you grew up listening to this in the 90s, gather here. It's time to pay our dues 😂😂😂😂😂. Love from Ghana 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭
@LadyBee-ve6jk
Hello from the 90s 😂
@Akoo-papabi
From Ghana 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭90s
@maurineatieno4840
Yap we here🎉life was mwa!
@basilisakenduiywo6978
So sweet 💕💕 it
@rooofoe6239
It was used in modeling back in the days
@shemimbaya
South Africa Republic Culture and Music is the pride of Africans.
@vanessat9309
Listening in 2024 in Germany, born in Botswana. Give me some likes! ❤
@elouarch1656
I am from Morocco. Despite the distance from South Africa, music remains the best expression of language, belonging and the closeness of peoples. This song has a history for me when I was fifteen years old. It ranked first for several weeks in the top10 for the best song. My greetings to every African who loves peace.
@manueldelarosaruiz8979
Saludos desde Colombia... aquí se escucha mucho esta clase de música..me puedes decir que dice parte de la letra o lírica..??