Miriam Makeba used her voice to entertain, but also to give a voice to millions of oppressed fellow South Africans who suffered as a result of apartheid. The price she had to pay for her actions was high, namely her South African citizenship. After she appeared, in 1960, in the an anti-apartheid documentary Come Back, Africa, the South African regime banned her from returning to her home country and took away her citizenship.
This event didn't stop her from continuing to raise her voice against the apartheid regime. Between 1964 and 1975, as a United Nations delegate of Guinea where she was granted asylum, Miriam Makeba addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regularly on the tragic developments in South Africa.
Meanwhile she carried on singing, a process in which she put South African music on the map. Over the years Makeba worked with artists as Joe Sample, Stix Hooper, Arthur Adams, and David T. Walker of The Crusaders. In the late 1980's she joined Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo during their world-wide Graceland tour and in 1990 she worked with Odetta and Nina Simone for the One Nation tour.
Following Nelson Mandela's release from prison, the citizen of the world Makeba returned to South Africa in December 1990; more than thirty years after she went in exile. In April 1991 she performed her first concert in her homeland in three decades.
The years after were busy ones for Makeba. She starred in the South African award-winning musical Sarafina! , about the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings, playing the role of the title character's mother. She then reunited with her first husband, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, for the Tour Of Hope. She also performed at the Vatican's Nevi Hall during the world-wide broadcasted show, Christmas In The Vatican. In 2000 Makeba released the grammy-nominated Homeland, her first studio album in a decade. In 2002 she shared the Polar Music Prize with Sofia Gubaidulina, in recognition of her exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music.
After her return to South Africa Miriam Makeba recorded over ten albums. In 2004, at the age of 72, she relased Reflections honoring the tenth anniversary of the end of apartheid in South Africa. In that same year Makeba was voted 38th in the Top 100 Great South Africans. She also started a 14 month worldwide farwell tour in 2005, holding concerts in all countries she had visited during her life.
With an impressive career spanning more than four decades Miriam Makeba is, indeed, one of the most respected, loved and cherished treasures in (South) Africa.
On the early morning of 10th of November 2008 she died at the age of 76 after being taken ill near the southern Italian town of Caserta, after performing at a concert against organized crime.
Source: Miriam Makeba, A true South African musical Legend
Discography on last.fm
External links:
Official website
Unofficial website
Movie database
Ibabalazie
Miriam Makeba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Dudu thatha ipillow
Siyokhwel'inqwel'ezantsi
Sithandwa sami
Thina sobabini
Siyokhwel'inqwel'ezantsi
Iyo hay, hay, hay
Oh, oh, oh andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi mna
Iyo hay, hay, hay
Hm, hm, hm andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi mna
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Ungabe uphinde uzibize ngam
Kuba igama lakho lingcolile
Ungabe uphinde uzibize ngam
Kuba igama lakho lingcolile
Weh baba sithandwa thatha ipillow
Siyokhwel'inqwel'ezantsi
Dudu wami
Thina sobabini
Siyokhwel'inqwel'ezantsi
Iyo hay, hay, hay
Oh, oh, oh andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi yho
Iyo hay, hay, hay
Hm, hm, hm andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi mna
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Ungabe uphinde uzibize ngam
Kuba igama lakho lingcolile
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
"Ibabalazie" is a South African song sung by Miriam Makeba. The lyrics predominantly consist of repetitive phrases, indicating a sense of rhythm and an atmosphere of joyful celebration. The phrase "Angilalanga yibhabhalaza" is repeated throughout the song, which can be interpreted as an expression of not being afraid to let loose and have a good time. The phrase "Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza" can be understood as referring to the consumption of alcohol, suggesting that the celebration involves the consumption of drinks.
The second part of the song introduces the character "Dudu," who takes a pillow and encourages everyone to go down on their knees, symbolizing a physical act of submission or surrender. This action can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the surrendering of oneself to love. The mention of "thina sobabini," meaning "the two of us," suggests a romantic connection between the singer and Dudu, expressing their shared desire to submit to love and experience its transformative power.
The repeated interjections of "Iyo hay, hay, hay" and "Oh, oh, oh" are expressions of excitement and pleasure, indicating the deep emotional connection and fulfillment experienced by the singer. The lyrics convey a sense of freedom and liberation from the constraints of the past, emphasizing the singer's determination to live in the present and not dwell on past experiences. The phrase "Andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi mna" can be interpreted as asserting the singer's resolve to leave the past behind and focus on the present, showing a willingness to move forward and embrace the joy and celebration of the moment.
The concluding verses of the song express a desire for the singer to be called upon again, recognizing the importance of their presence and appreciation for their unique identity. The line "Kuba igama lakho lingcolile" refers to the significance of their name, suggesting that the singer wants to be recognized and remembered for who they are. The repetition of "Ungabe uphinde uzibize ngam" underscores their hope to be called upon again.
Overall, "Ibabalazie" is a vibrant and uplifting song that celebrates joy, love, and the freedom to immerse oneself in the present moment. It encourages embracing love, surrendering to its transformative power, and letting go of the past to fully experience the euphoria of celebration. The lyrics convey a strong sense of identity and the desire to be recognized for one's unique presence and importance.
Line by Line Meaning
Thalalala ah ah
Singing and celebrating joyfully
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
I have not seen such extravagant behavior
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Alcohol caused chaos yesterday
Dudu thatha ipillow
Baby, take the pillow
Siyokhwel'inqwel'ezantsi
We will lie down together
Sithandwa sami
My beloved
Thina sobabini
Both of us
Iyo hay, hay, hay
Oh, oh, oh
Andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi mna
I didn't tell you about yesterday, did I?
Ungabe uphinde uzibize ngam
Maybe you will call me again?
Kuba igama lakho lingcolile
Because your name has changed
Weh baba sithandwa thatha ipillow
Oh dear beloved, take the pillow
Dudu wami
My baby
Iyo hay, hay, hay
Oh, oh, oh
Andi-ikuxelel'izolo ndithi yho
I didn't tell you about yesterday, did I?
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
I have not seen such extravagant behavior
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Alcohol caused chaos yesterday
Ungabe uphinde uzibize ngam
Maybe you will call me again?
Kuba igama lakho lingcolile
Because your name has changed
Angilalanga yibhabhalaza
I have not seen such extravagant behavior
Utywala bayizolo ibhabhalaza
Alcohol caused chaos yesterday
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Olerato Modise
Mama Africa. The one and only Mama Africa. She looks so beautiful, the voices are so powerful. I am reminded of home with this sounds. This sound reminds me of her other song Pata Pata.
Thank you channel manager for uploading this sound gems.
She is a hero for us Africans. I am glad my parents introduced me to her music . This helps to pass on the history of Africa's rise against Apartheid and Colonialism.
She shined soo much in other countries, so glad they appreciated her regarding the state of how there was segregation of races then.
SaloneTieDye tv
Her voice is amazing, much appreciated from Sierra leone
Ms Nos
The Swedish people are into this? I guess music speaks to everyone.
BRKS172
Nice