Amezemula
Mahotella Queens Lyrics

The Mahotella Queens' song "Amezemula" is a traditional South African song that talks about the struggles of a man who leaves his home and his loved ones behind in search of a better life, possibly in the mines. The song begins with the lyrics "Indoda izungelez'umuzi wami" which loosely translates to "The man has left his home." The subsequent lines describe how the man will sleep alone at night and how he will eventually find what he is looking for, but at a great personal cost. The main chorus "Nank'amazemula, amazemula" can be translated to "Here are the wanderers, the wanderers."

The singer of the song feels the need to leave his home and venture out into the world, but it is a difficult choice that comes with personal sacrifices. He may be successful in his journey, as suggested by the lyrics "Ngizoyithola", which means he will find what he is looking for, but it may come with a price, and he may have to use a weapon "Ngomkhonto" to protect himself. The phrase "Amazemula" is a metaphor for the working-class South Africans who moved from place to place in search of work. The song empathizes with the title characters and recognizes their hardships, but also gives them a sense of pride and resilience.