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.
Kazet
Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kwazulu natal tal
Kwazulu nata tal
Iiiii iiii eoooo
Its sweet eyooo
Kwazulu natal tal kwazulu natal tal
Its sweet eyooo
The song "Kazet" by Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens is an upbeat and joyful celebration of the Kwazulu Natal region in South Africa. The chorus "Kwazulu Natal Tal, Kwazulu Natal Tal" is repeated throughout the song and translates to "Kwazulu Natal is good" in English. The lyrics express a deep appreciation for the beauty and sweetness of the region, emphasizing the unique cultural and natural attractions of Kwazulu Natal. The name "Kazet" is believed to refer to a type of traditional dance from the province, which adds to the overall celebratory and lively nature of the song.
The lyrics suggest a sense of community and pride in Kwazulu Natal, calling out to other residents with the phrases "Aaah aah aaah aahh mulee nzilei" and "Iiiii iiii eoooo". The repetition of these phrases creates a sense of unity and togetherness among the people of Kwazulu Natal. The upbeat tempo and call-and-response style of the song encourage listeners to join in the celebration of the region and its unique qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Aaah aah aaah aahh mulee nzilei
Oh, my friend, listen to me
Kwazulu natal tal
In the province of KwaZulu Natal
Kwazulu nata tal
In the province of KwaZulu Natal
Iiiii iiii eoooo
Singing with joy and excitement
Its sweet eyooo
It's delicious and enjoyable
Kwazulu natal tal kwazulu natal tal
In the province of KwaZulu Natal
Its sweet eyooo
It's delicious and enjoyable
Writer(s): West Nkosi, Obed Ngobeni
Contributed by Abigail P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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..??