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.

Siyavuya
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

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Ah jabulani nonke
Ah jabulani nonke
Usefikile umakoti wethu
Omhle ngokwenene
Masimamkele
Ah jabulani nonke

Siyamthanda umakoti wethu

Siyavuy'ukuba
Engen'ekhaya, ikhaya lethu

Kujabul'abantwana kanye nabazali
Bethi holili
Bajabulela yena umakoti wethu
Uzotshayela amabala ethu

Siyavuya
Simfumen'umama namhla
Kulomuzi wethu
Masimamkele, masimamkele

Kujabul'abantwana kanye nabazali
Bethi holili
Bajabulela yena umakoti wethu
Uzotshayela amabala ethu

Siyavuya
Simfumen'umama namhla

Kulomuzi wethu
Masimamkele, masimamkele

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song 'Siyavuya' by Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks are in Zulu language, and the song is about a celebratory mood filled with joy and happiness. The title of the song, Siyavuya, means 'We are rejoicing' in English. The song talks about a bride who has just arrived and how beautiful she is. The chorus of the song goes on to say that they love their bride and are very happy that she has come home.

The song is filled with affirmations of love, joy, and celebration. The word "jabulani" is repeated throughout the song, which means 'rejoice' in English. The song expresses the excitement felt by everyone upon the arrival of the bride. The parents and children of the bride are all happy and excited about the wedding. The song encourages the listeners to join in the celebration and rejoice together.

SiyavuyaMiriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

Siyavuya
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics