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.

Uyadela
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

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Uyadel'uyadela bo
Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama
Uyadel'uyadela bo
Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama

Wena ntomb'uyadela mama
Uyadel'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama
Wena ntomb'uyadela mama

Ngoba wen'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama

Batsho bath'imbiba yaswel'umsila bo
Ngoba yayithand'ukuyalezela
Batsho bath'imbiba yaswel'umsila
Ngoba yayithand'ukuyalezela

Uyadel'uyadela mama
Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama
Uyadel'uyadela mama
Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama

Wena ntomb'uyadela bo
Ngoba wen'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama
Wena ntomb'uyadela mama
Ngoba wen'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama

Batsho bath'imbiba yaswel'umsila bo
Ngoba yayithand'ukuyalezela
Batsho bath'imbiba yaswel'umsila bo
Ngoba yayithand'ukuyalezela

Uyadel'uyadela
Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama
Uyadel'uyadela
Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama

Wena ntomb'uyadela
Ngoba wen'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama
Wena ntomb'uyadela bo
Ngoba wen'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama

Batsho bath'imbiba yaswel'umsila
Ngoba yayithand'ukuyalezela

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Miriam Makeba and The Skylarks's "Uyadela" express the feeling of being loved and appreciated. The song starts by repeating "Uyadela bo, Uyadela ngob'uthand'ukwenzelwa mama", which means "you are proud because you are being loved, mama". It is a tribute to a mother who has been given love and respect. The second part of the song describes a woman who is being loved and acknowledged for who she is. "Wena ntomb'uyadela mama, Uyadel'ungumathand'ukwenzelwa mama" means "You, young girl, are being proud because you are being loved - you are being loved for who you are, mama."

The song also mentions "batsho bath'imbiba yaswel'umsila bo, Ngoba yayithand'ukuyalezela", which translates to "those who see the acacia trees and feel happy because they're being loved." This symbolizes the importance of nature and how nature can bring joy.

"Uyadela" is a South African song that was released in 1959. It became an instant hit and is still widely popular today. The song uses a traditional African style and was one of the first African songs to reach a global audience.

UyadelaMiriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

Taik's

Hitoshi Yamakawa

Michael Wackers

Uyadela
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics