Kwazulu
Miriam Makeba Lyrics


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Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama

Eh mama ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Bath'intomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni

Bathi ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Weh babe noma kwafel'ubaba nomama
Bathi ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Weh babe noma kwafel'ubaba nomama

Eh mama ntomb'igeza ngovuma kul'khal'insizwa yeheni
Ntomb'igeza ngovuma kul'khal'insizwa yeheni
Bath'intomb'igeza ngovuma kul'khal'insizwa yeheni
Ntomb'igeza ngovuma kul'khal'insizwa yeheni

'Bangiqomi kwaZulu
Babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)
KwaZulu babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)

'Bangiqomi kwaZulu
Babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)
KwaZulu babo

Umkhonto kaShaka
Bathi (Washis'umuzi kaBaba, mkhonto)
KaShaka (Washis'umuzi kaBaba, mkhonto)

Umkhonto kaShaka
Bathi (Washis'umuzi kaBaba, mkhonto)
KaShaka (Washis'umuzi kaBaba, mkhonto)

'Bangiqomi kwaZulu
Babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)
KwaZulu babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)

'Bangiqomi kwaZulu
Babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni angiqomi)
KwaZulu babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)

Bathi ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
Bathi ngeke ngiye kwaZulu bo kwafel'ubaba nomama
Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama

Eh mama ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Bath'intomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni




Ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Bathi nsizwa eh heh hmmm

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Miriam Makeba’s “In the Land of the Zulus” speak to the theme of leaving that characterizes much of the South Africa she portrays. Wafting strings, a lilting melody, and Makeba’s lilting voice evoke a sense of nostalgia or longing for a place left behind. The lyrics express the sentiment of not being able to go to KwaZulu for the funeral of a father and mother. The repetitive nature of the first two lines emphasizes the sense of being prevented from going home. The following lines “Eh mama ntomb’igeza ngovuma kukha’l’insizwa yeheni,” which roughly translates to “Oh Mama, the daughter of Geza, agrees to help me cry as a young man,” emphasizes the communal nature of mourning in African societies. The next verse similarly emphasizes the communal, call-and-response mode of music-making that many associate with African music.


The chorus again is an expression of the longing or desire to go “home” to KwaZulu. The name of the place is repeated frequently, stressing the importance of connection to the land and one’s roots. “Bangiqomi kwaZulu” seems to be a catchphrase of the song, and relates to the tradition of call-and-response in African music, where one person sings and the rest of the group responds. The chant-like repetition of “Umkhonto kaShaka” adds to the sense of urgency and intensity of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
I will not go to Zulu land where my father and mother have passed away


Eh mama ntomb'igeza ngovuma kukhal'insizwa yeheni
Oh mother, the young girl cries without shame


Bathi ngeke ngiye kwaZulu kwafel'ubaba nomama
They say I should not go to Zulu land where my father and mother have passed away


'Bangiqomi kwaZulu
We are dancing in Zulu land


Umkhonto kaShaka
The spear of Shaka


Bathi (Washis'umuzi kaBaba, mkhonto)
They say (It destroyed my father's home, the spear)


Babo (Abangiqom'emaBhaceni abangiqomi)
They are my brothers (who sing with me)


Bathi ngeke ngiye kwaZulu bo kwafel'ubaba nomama
They say I should not go to Zulu land even with my father and mother


Bathi nsizwa eh heh hmmm
They say, oh young one




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Mfundo Piti


on To Those We Love (Nongqongqo)

At the time the song was composed and released all the people mentioned ((Mangaliso) Sobukhwe, (Albert) Luthuli, (Nelson) Mandela, and (Walter) Sisulu were alive. While the three were in prison at Robben Island, Luthuli was not in prison, hence the question to Luthuli asking what "will you do?". Luthuli was the president of the banned African National Congress (ANC). Sobukhwe the president of Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Mandela and Sisulu occupied executive leadership positions within the ANC at the time of their sentencing to serve life sentences in prison (1964). The same question is asked to all Africans.

Mfundo Piti


on To Those We Love (Nongqongqo)

The lyrics of "To Those We Love" by Miriam Makeba are about the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of great African leaders who fought for freedom, justice, and equality. The repetitive chorus, "Bahleli bonke entilongweni, Bahleli bonke kwaNongqongqo" refers to how all these leaders, including Sobukwe, Luthuli, Mandela, and Sisulu, are resting in peace or buried in their respective homes. The verses pose questions about their legacy and the continuation of their work, asking "Why, Baba Luthuli? What will you do?" and "What will happen to us, MaAfrica?" These questions are a call to action for listeners to carry on the struggle for freedom and justice.

Junior


on Soweto Blues

The melancholy in her voice

Junior


on Mama

It makes me cry I could not bury my mother cause I was in prison when I ask prison authorities to allow me an opportunity to go and attend the funeral they refused. We always underestimate the role of women

no


on Beware, Verwoerd! (Ndodemnyama)

no
hi! i enjoted. this song. i loved it

Matt Olomu


on Noweva

This is your challenge, South Africans who understand the lyrics of NOWEVER. Do yourselves and Africa a favour. Interpret it.

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