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.
Kazet
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 Mahotella Queens' song "Kazet" is a celebration of African music and its ability to connect people across borders and cultures. The repetitive refrain of "Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet" seems to suggest that the music itself is the unifying force, bringing people together through its unique rhythm and message. The lyrics also touch on the importance of tradition and the power of music to preserve and transmit cultural values from one generation to the next. The verses speak of the joy and pride that comes from sharing one's music and culture with others, and the pleasure of hearing it echoed back in new and unexpected ways.
Overall, "Kazet" is a joyous celebration of African music and culture, showcasing the Mahotella Queens' signature vocal harmonies and energetic rhythms. It is a testament to the power of music to unite people from all walks of life and honor the rich heritage of African music.
Line by Line Meaning
Hayi ku hluvukile ka hina n'wino
We are not getting up because we are drunk
Ayi ku hluvukile ka gaza n'wino
We are not getting up because of tobacco
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
We are not getting up because of the kazet rhythm
Ayi nga langutani sweswi kuna ti bazi
We don't always agree with what they say
A hi tsakeni ku na switimela
We don't need trains to travel
Eh hi hluvukile ku na ti bazi
We are getting up because of our own decisions
Eh tsakani we magaza
Come on, friends of the Kazet rhythm
Ayi ku hluvukile ka hina n'wino
We are not getting up because we are drunk
Africa
This is Africa
Ukujabula kwakho
Celebrate your happiness
Kushukuma zonk'izizwe
All nations rise up
Ay, ukugiya kwakho
Express your emotions
Kujabulisa zonk'izintaba
Celebrate all the mountains
Giya aw woza
Come on, let's go
Giya woza
Come on, let's go
Yawuz'umoya eshe woza
The wind of change is blowing, come on
Giya woza (Aha-ha-ha)
Come on, let's go (aha-ha-ha)
Giya woza, yawuz'umoya (Ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet)
Come on, let's go, the wind of change (ha-ha-ha, we are getting up because of the Kazet rhythm)
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Oh yes) Is nice
(Oh yes) It's nice
(Oh yes) So nice
(Oh yes) So nice
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Oh yes) Do it again
(Oh yes) Do it again
(Oh yes) Is so sweet
(Oh yes) It's so sweet
Eeh, eeh, eeh, eeh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Oh yes) Kwa nandika
(Oh yes) We are celebrating
(Oh yes) Is nice, nice
(Oh yes) It's nice, nice
Se tsakani we magaza
Come on, friends of the Kazet rhythm
Aha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha he weno ku hluvukile ka zet
We are getting up because of the Kazet rhythm
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..??