Asimbonanga
Savuka & Johnny Clegg & Savuka Lyrics

The song "Asimbonanga" by Johnny Clegg & Savuka is a tribute to the anti-apartheid political leaders Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Victoria Mxenge, and Neil Aggett. The chorus repeatedly declares "we have not seen him" and "we have not seen Mandela", creating a sense of yearning for the release of these heroes from captivity. The verses describe the isolation of being an "island" and the desire to cross the "burning water" that separates individuals and communities. The last verse adds a universal dimension to the song with the lines "who has the words to close the distance between you and me", which suggest the importance of communication and empathy in overcoming divisions and conflicts.

The lyrics of the song were written during the 1980s when Mandela and many other anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned by the South African government. Clegg and his band Savuka were active in the anti-apartheid movement and used their music to raise awareness and support for the struggle. "Asimbonanga" became a signature song for Clegg and a symbol of hope and unity for people around the world.