Born and Raised in the Eastern Cape, her name means ‘gift’ and many of her … Read Full Bio ↴Born and Raised in the Eastern Cape, her name means ‘gift’ and many of her fans would agree that she is just that, a gift to the SA music scene. In a short period of time this Soul Sistah has become one of South Africa’s favourite daughters. Her music has a fresh sound and her unique voice complements it perfectly. Her debut album Zandisile took a lot of music lovers by surprise. It is modern South African music with a timeless revolutionary message.

Simphiwe Dana says that her music is mostly influenced by what is going on in people’s daily lives. She talks about the struggle that black people are going through, despite South Africa’s supposed freedom, and status as a democracy. Tracks like Thwelubunzima and Vukani call for people of colour to wake up and see the light, but then she also has tracks like Zandisile which is a song of hope, and Ndiredi, the hit single for which she won a couple of South African Music Awards.

Zabalaza
Simphiwe Dana Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Vuthela moya, vuthela
(Vuthela moya, vuthela)

Zabalazile, zabalaza

Nenza thina
Amaphiko

Zabalazile, zabalaza

Oh Zabalaza zabalaza

Ndine 50 tiger
Ndiyothenga ngayo
Eyokugcina
Ndiyobona njalo

(Oh Zabalaza zabalaza)

Ndine BA degree
Nantsi ibhaliwe
Ndiyoncenga ngayo
Imali yesonka

(Oh Zabalaza zabalaza)
Ndine C-class, ndine class
Ndihlala ebackroom
Emzini kamama
Ndincedis’ekhaya

(Zabalaza zabalaza)

(Oh Zabalaza zabalaza)

Overall Meaning

Simphiwe Dana's "Zabalaza" is a song that speaks to the struggles of a young South African woman who is defying the odds against her. The chorus, "Vuthela moya, vuthela; Zabalazile, zabalaza; Nenza thina Amaphiko," means "Ignite the spirit, ignite; We are in chaos, we are struggling; We will make a fire." Dana urges her listeners to ignite their inner fire and keep fighting despite the obstacles.

Throughout the verses, Dana highlights different areas of struggle and accomplishment. She mentions having a BA degree and a good job, but still living in a small, cramped backroom in her mother's house. She also mentions having the money to buy expensive things, like a 50-inch television and a Mercedes-Benz C-class, but emphasizes that she's buying them for herself and not to impress others. Dana underscores that she's living on her own terms and fighting to create a better life for herself and her family.

Line by Line Meaning

Vuthela moya, vuthela
Stir up your spirit, move with intention, don't be idle

Zabalazile, zabalaza
Everything is in chaos and upheaval, take action, fight for change

Nenza thina Amaphiko
Make fire, ignite passion within us

Oh Zabalaza zabalaza
Oh, revolution, stir things up

Ndine 50 tiger Ndiyothenga ngayo Eyokugcina Ndiyobona njalo
I have 50 tigers that I will use to protect what's important to me, I will buy a future that I will always see

(Oh Zabalaza zabalaza)
(Oh, revolution, stir things up)

Ndine BA degree Nantsi ibhaliwe Ndiyoncenga ngayo Imali yesonka
I have a Bachelor's degree, yet I still struggle financially, I will use it to write and fight for change

(Oh Zabalaza zabalaza)
(Oh, revolution, stir things up)

Ndine C-class, ndine class Ndihlala ebackroom Emzini kamama Ndincedis’ekhaya
I may have a C-class status but I still live in a backroom; I help out at home

(Zabalaza zabalaza) (Oh Zabalaza zabalaza)
(Revolution, stir things up) (Oh, revolution, stir things up)

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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