Mbongeni Ngema (b. 1955 - ) a South African writer, lyricist, composer and … Read Full Bio ↴Mbongeni Ngema (b. 1955 - ) a South African writer, lyricist, composer and director was born in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal (near Durban). He started his career as a theatre backing guitarist.

He is married to actress Leleti Khumalo. Leleti who received a 1988 Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for Sarafina; as well as starring as the leading role in South Africa's first Oscar-nominated film/move, Yesterday.

In some sectors of South African society, Ngema is considered a racist because of his controversial song, AmaNdiya (about racism that Blacks in KwaZulu-Natal have suffered at the hands of Indians). It was banned in the country soon after it was released in 2002, and even Nelson Mandela had asked Ngema to apologize but Ngema refused.

Ali Bomaye
Mbongeni Ngema Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

He ha shu
Ali bomaye
Out cry the lion in the jungle
Millions and millions
Were watching expecting his destruction
The son of the soil
Was dancing to the rumble
In the jungle

Dancing to all our hopes
And our nation's dignity
Ali bomaye
The son rose to the echoes
Of the ringing bell
The people's champion
Was dishing punches
Like thunder and then bha
I hom, i hom, i hom
Ali bomaye
From that moment on
All the people of African heritage
We're celebrating
All the corners of the world
Sililo sabansundu
Saze sezwakhala eZaire
Bekhala bethi
Ali bomaye
The high voices of women and babies
Sent the chilling sound of victory
Through out the continent
Iyo
I hom, i hom, i hom
Ali bomaye
Sililo sabansundu
Saze sezwakhala eZaire
Bekhala bethi

Ali bomaye
Ali bomaye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mbongeni Ngema's song "Ali Bomaye" tell the story of a hero, the son of the soil, who goes by the name Ali. He is in the jungle, being watched by millions of people who are expecting his destruction. However, he remains defiant and dances to the rumble in the jungle. He embodies the hopes and national dignity of his people.

The ringing of the bell signifies the start of the fight, and Ali, the people's champion, starts dishing out punches like thunder. He wins the fight, and from that moment on, all people of African heritage begin celebrating. The victory is so significant that even the corners of the world join in the celebration. The chanting of "Ali bomaye" and "Sililo sabansundu" is heard throughout the continent, and the victory cry sends a chilling sound of triumph.

The lyrics of "Ali Bomaye" are a tribute to Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, and political activist. Mbongeni Ngema was inspired by Ali, who fought for civil rights in the United States and challenged racism and other forms of oppression. The song is about empowerment and the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Its message is universal, resonating with people all over the world who face similar challenges.

Line by Line Meaning

He ha shu
The sound of the jungle

Ali bomaye
Ali, kill him

Out cry the lion in the jungle
The lion roars in the jungle

Millions and millions
Countless people

Were watching expecting his destruction
They watched, waiting for his defeat

The son of the soil
A native son

Was dancing to the rumble
He danced to the sound of the drums

In the jungle
In the heart of Africa

Dancing to all our hopes
Dancing for our dreams and aspirations

And our nation's dignity
And the pride of our country

The son rose to the echoes
The son stood up to the cheers