The Mahotella Queens first came to prominence in the 1960s as backing singers for the 'Lion of Soweto' Mahlathini. As well as recording with Mahlathini, they released a number of albums in their own right. They were able to use their fame to become highly influential figures in the fight against apartheid.
The death of Mahlathini in 2000 lead to them recording the album Sebai Bai in his honour. This album brought them even greater international attention and the Womex award.
Now in their 60s, The Mahotella Queens still record and regularly tour with their compatriots Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Africa
Mahotella Queens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can hear the wild dogs howl and the rain comes down
Comes the dawn and the bush comes alive
See the fog take a jump and a dive
Oh the old busy chap in the day and he's flying
In the blue sky
I give my love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
Elephants at the water drinking the sun beams down
Monkey cries and the monkey go singing and the sun beams down
In the cities there's a buzzling about
In the clouds you can twist and shout
Up above there's and it's flying
In the blue sky
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
In the cities there's a buzzling about
In the clouds you can twist and shout
Up above there's and it's flying
In the blue sky
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
I give my love to Africa
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
We give our love to Africa
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
We give our love to Africa
I give my love to Africa
You give your love to Africa
We give our love to Africa
The lyrics of Mahotella Queens' song "Africa" express a deep appreciation and love for the continent's natural beauty and cultural richness. The opening lines depict the sounds and sights of the African bushveld, with lions growling, wild dogs howling, and fog swirling, all brought to life by the life-giving rains. As dawn breaks, the bush comes alive with activity, and the singer imagines the birds flying high above in the blue sky. The chorus declares a personal connection to Africa, with the singer proclaiming their love for the continent and calling on others to do the same.
As the song progresses, it shifts from the rural idyll to the city, where activity buzzes around as people go about their day-to-day lives. Despite the urban landscape, the singer finds joy in the unpredictability of African skies and the freedom of being able to "twist and shout" in the clouds. The chorus is repeated several times, each time with increasing emphasis on the unity and shared love for Africa that brings people together.
The song's lyrics are full of vivid sensory detail, painting a picture of the diverse landscapes and cultural environments found across Africa. The use of repetition in the chorus serves to strengthen the song's message of unity and love for a continent that inspires and challenges in equal measure.
Line by Line Meaning
Every night the lions growl the rains come down
The African wilderness comes alive at night as the lions roar and the rain pours down.
Comes the dawn and the bush comes alive
At dawn, the African bush awakens from its slumber and comes alive with the sounds of nature.
See the fog take a jump and a dive
The morning fog dances and moves playfully with the wind.
Oh the old busy chap in the day and he's flying
During the day, big birds soar high in the African sky, going about their business.
I give my love to Africa
The singer expresses their deep love and admiration for Africa.
Elephants at the water drinking the sun beams down
Elephants quench their thirst while the sun shines down on them, casting a warm glow.
Monkey cries and the monkey go singing and the sun beams down
Monkeys sing and chatter while basking in the warmth of the African sun.
In the cities there's a buzzling about
Even in the bustling African cities, life goes on with its own unique rhythm.
In the clouds you can twist and shout
Clouds move and swirl in the sky, creating beautiful patterns and shapes to admire.
Up above there's and it's flying in the blue sky
Birds and other creatures fly high in the blue African sky, free and unencumbered.
I give my love to Africa (Africa)
The singer repeats their declaration of love for Africa, emphasizing its importance.
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
A refrain that expresses the emotional and joyful connection with Africa.
We give our love to Africa
Together, the singer and the listener express their love and appreciation for Africa.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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..??