Nomathemba
Nelisiwe Sibiya Lyrics

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Yi yi ye hhey hhey
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Nguye loyo
Asambeni

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njalo uhlal' esezindabeni

Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njal' uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend
Nguye loyo

Ngo6 ek'sen' usemagceken' uyazishwashwath' i'indaba zabantu
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend
Nguye loyo

Bahlala behlezi benomakhumalo beziqeketh' i'indaba zabantu
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend
Nguye loyo
Akasakwazi nokuzibamba, uyazithanda i'indaba zabantu
Ngumomacaleni

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njalo uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njal' uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Unomahlalela
Akananto yokwenza uyazithanda i'indaba zabantu
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend
Unomahlalela
Akananto yokwenza
Uyazithanda i'indaba zabantu
Ngunomacaleni

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njalo uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njal' uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo
Nguye loyo

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njalo uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend
Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njal' uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njalo uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend

Unomathemba
Unomacaleni
Njal' uhlal' esezindabeni
Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Ngu your friend
Unomathemba nguye loyo

Unomacaleni
Nguye loyo njalo uhlal' esezindabeni
Nguye loyo um'ngan' wakho loyo
Nguye loyo ngu your friend

Nguye loyo nomathemba
Nguye loyo unomacaleni
Nguye loyo njal' uhlal' esezindabeni
Nguye loyo m'ngan' wakho loyo

Haibo ngu your friend haibo

Overall Meaning

The song "Nomathemba" by Nelisiwe Sibiya is a beautifully crafted piece of music that expresses the importance of having a friend who is trustworthy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The song begins with the opening line "Yi yi ye hhey hhey" which sets the tone for the upbeat and cheerful melody of the song. The opening verse speaks of a friend who is always present and dependable, no matter the situation. This friend is "Unomathemba", someone who one can rely on and who remains steadfast in their commitment to a relationship.

As the song progresses, the lyrics paint a picture of a community that is full of gossip and negativity, but the friend who is "Unomathemba" chooses to rise above it. The song acknowledges the challenges that come with being a good friend and the pressures that one may encounter. However, the chorus of the song reminds us that "Unomathemba" is always present, and though difficult times may come, there is always hope.

The song is a testament to the value of having close relationships and how much we need them in our lives. It reminds us of the power of true friendship and the importance of being there for each other, even when times get tough.

Line by Line Meaning

Yi yi ye hhey hhey
Introducing the song with a joyful chant

Um'ngan' wakho loyo
Referring to a male friend

Nguye loyo
Emphasizing that the male friend is the subject of the song

Asambeni
Encouraging everyone to come together and start the journey

Unomathemba
Describing the friend as one who has hope

Unomacaleni
Describing the friend as one who has love

Njalo uhlal' esezindabeni
Stating that the friend always lives in the hills

Ngu your friend
Reiterating that the subject is a friend

Ngo6 ek'sen' usemagceken' uyazishwashwath' i'indaba zabantu
Sharing that the friend always knows the latest news and gossip in town

Bahlala behlezi benomakhumalo beziqeketh' i'indaba zabantu
Describing a group of people who are always meddling in other people's business

Akasakwazi nokuzibamba, uyazithanda i'indaba zabantu
Noting that the friend is not one to judge, but rather loves to hear the latest news and gossip