Miram Makeba and the Skylarks were, between 1956 and 1959, one of the most … Read Full Bio ↴Miram Makeba and the Skylarks were, between 1956 and 1959, one of the most successful South African vocal groups to blend American influences (Mills Brothers-style pop, gospel, and jazz) with South African tribal rhythms and vocal styles (primarily mbube, a four-part harmony approach originated by Zulu miners).
While growing up in a tough Johannesburg township, Miriam Makeba first sang in Protestant school choirs. After achieving initial fame with the Manhattan Brothers, Makeba recorded a few singles under her own name before Gallo Records asked her to front a South African girl group loosely patterned after the Andrews Sisters and the McGuire Sisters.

Makeba’s lead vocals have a pure and innocent quality that belies her savvy as a bandleader.

Enhancing the gorgeous vocal harmonies wer some excellent South African jazzmen, most notably the band’s white musical director and talented clarinetist-saxman-pianist Dan Hill, as well as the great South African pennywhistler Spokes Mashiyane, who coaxed as much soul out of his simple instrument as any human could. Like the finest mainstream jazz, this music has a relaxed, spontaneous feel that is a complete joy to hear. It’s easy to understand why these lilting melodies gave hope to blacks living the nightmare of apartheid.

After Makeba left South African in 1959 to attend the Venice film festival, the South African authorities would not allow her to return. Her records were banned from South African radio, and the Skylarks broke up a short while later.

Ndidliwe Zintabe
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

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Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali
Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali

Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya
Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli

Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya

Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba
Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba

Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali
Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali

Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya
Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya

Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba

Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Miriam Makeba's song "Ndidliwe Zintabe" tell a story of leaving home and family behind in search of work opportunities in Johannesburg. The song speaks about the hardships and challenges that come with this journey. At the beginning of the song, Makeba sings, "Ndalishiya ikhaya, Ndashiya nabazali" which translates to "I am leaving my home, leaving my parents behind." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Makeba portrays the difficulties that come with moving away from one's roots.

The lyrics also speak about the struggle of finding work in Johannesburg. Makeba sings, "Ndandithi ndizosebenza, Sendidliwe ziintaba," which translates to "I said I would work, but I have been cheated by the mountains." This line highlights the difficulty of finding work and the exploitation that can come with it. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song reinforces the idea of homesickness and longing for a place to call home.

Overall, "Ndidliwe Zintabe" captures the difficult realities of leaving home and searching for a better life. The song speaks to the experiences of many South Africans during apartheid, where the search for work opportunities meant risking leaving home and potentially being exploited.

Ndidliwe ZintabeMiriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

Ndidliwe Zintabe
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics