Mabuse is responsible for "Burn Out" in the early 1980s which sold over 500,000 copies, and the giant (Disco Shangaan) hit of the late 1980s, "Jive Soweto".
His daughter is the singer Mpho Skeef.
Zanzibar
Sipho Mabuse Lyrics
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Zanzibar
Beautiful Island... (Of Africa)
...from a distance (Tanzania)
You can hear the marimba band
Play its sweet melodies (across the land)
Sweet sweet melodies
Zanzibar, ohh Zanzibar
Zanzibar, ohh Zanzibar
Beautiful Island, (of Africa)
Zanzibar, ohh Zanzibar
Beautiful Island, (of Africa)
Everbody is getting ready (come across the sea)
Now is the time to sing and dance (ujamaa)
Open your hearts to let your spirits free (ujamaa)
You can hear the marimba band
Playin sweet sweet melodies
Zanzibar, ohh Zanzibar
Beautiful Island, (of Africa)
Zanzibar, ohh Zanzibar
Beautiful Island, (of Africa)
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
Zanzibar
Ujamaa
The lyrics of the song "Zanzibar" by Sipho Mabuse celebrate the beauty and spirit of the African island of Zanzibar. The song starts with the repetition of the island's name, creating a rhythm that evokes the sound of the marimba band that can be heard playing across the land. The lyrics then invite listeners to join in the celebration, to come across the sea and sing and dance to the sweet melodies of the marimba band. The call to "open your hearts to let your spirits free" suggests that the song is more than a simple celebration of a beautiful place—it is also a call to connect with the joy and spirit of the African people.
The use of the Swahili word "ujamaa" at the end of the song adds another layer of meaning. Ujamaa is a philosophy of African socialism that emphasizes the importance of community, sharing, and cooperation. By including this word, the song becomes not just a celebration of a place but also a celebration of African culture and values. Overall, "Zanzibar" is a joyous and uplifting song that captures the spirit of African music and culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Zanzibar
The song is titled after and celebrates the beauty of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar
Repeating the title to emphasize its significance.
Beautiful Island... (Of Africa)
Describing Zanzibar as a picturesque island off the coast of Africa.
...from a distance (Tanzania)
Noting the proximity of the island to Tanzania, from where it can be seen from afar.
You can hear the marimba band
The sound of the marimba band can be heard on the island.
Play its sweet melodies (across the land)
The band's music echoes across the island, reaching its people wherever they may be.
Sweet sweet melodies
Emphasizing the pleasing and enjoyable sound of the band's music.
Zanzibar, ohh Zanzibar
Repeating the title as a recognition and tribute to the island.
Everbody is getting ready (come across the sea)
People are preparing to travel by sea to Zanzibar for a celebration.
Now is the time to sing and dance (ujamaa)
The occasion on Zanzibar is a time for community and togetherness, symbolized by the Swahili concept of ujamaa meaning 'familyhood'.
Open your hearts to let your spirits free (ujamaa)
To fully experience the spirit of ujamaa, one must open themselves up emotionally and mentally.
Zanzibar
Repeating the title as if to recenter the song's focus on the island.
Ujamaa
Repeating the Swahili concept to reinforce its importance in the song's message.
Zanzibar
Again repeating the title as a tribute to the island.
Ujamaa
Continuing to highlight the significance of the concept in the song's theme.
Zanzibar
Repeating the title for emphasis one last time.
Ujamaa
Final repetition of the Swahili term to leave a lasting impression and message of community and togetherness.
Contributed by Skyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.