They changed their name to Stimela after a life-changing experience in Mozambique when they were stranded in Maputo for three months. They had to sell all their belongings to take a train home. This trip was a watershed moment as it was where they conceived the new name for the band: train is translated as Stimela in Nguni languages.
Besides the change in name, the band also expanded with new members Charlie "Sam" Ndlovu, Nana Coyote, Thapelo Kgomo and Ntokozo Zungu. With soulful tunes and gripping lyrics, the band has recorded platinum-winning albums such as Fire, Passion and Ecstasy, Listen, Look and Decide as well as the controversial People Don't Talk, So Let's Talk. One of their most memorable tracks - "Whispers in the Deep" - was restricted for broadcast by the old South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Members
Ray Phiri - lead guitar, lead vocals (Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri, 23 March 1947 – 12 July 2017)
Sam Ndlovu - Vocals
Isaac "Mnca" Mtshali - drummer
The late - Nana Coyote - lead vocals
Thapelo Kgomo - keyboards
Ntokozo Zungu - lead guitar
Bafana Khuzwayo - organ
Discography
1982: Fire, Passion and Ecstasy
1983: Rewind
1985: Shadows, Fear and Pain
1986: Look, Listen and Decide
1988: Live!
1987: Unfinished Story
1991: Siyaya
1983: Rewind (EP)
1985: Shadows Fear and Pain (EP)
1989: Trouble in the Land of Plenty
1994: Khululani
1995: Don't Ask Why
1995: Are You Ready (Live)
1987: The Unfinished Story
1996: Out of the Ashes
2000: Steam Tracks (Best of)
2001: Live At The Market Theatre - 1st Half (Live)
2002: The 2nd Half (Live)
2010: A Lifetime...
2011: turn on the sun
Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri (23 March 1947 – 12 July 2017) was a South African jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician born in Mpumalanga to Malawian immigrant worker and South African guitarist nicknamed "Just Now" Phiri. He became founding member of the Cannibals in the 1970s. When the Cannibals disbanded Ray founded Stimela, with whom he conceived gold and platinum-selling albums like Fire, Passion and Ecstacy (1991), Look, Listen and Decide (1992) as well as the controversial People Don't Talk So Let's Talk.
Zwakala Interlude
Stimela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am talking about (Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
Would you come to me (Zwakala nganeno)
Would you come to me (Zwakala nganeno)
Feed me, feed me, feed me (Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
We're talking about these four guys
We have a problem
The problem is them outside there
In here we are one
One big family
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
Let us (Come to me)
Bury apartheid tonight (Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
We're gonna bury apartheid
We're gonna bury domination
We're gonna bury oppression
Four people, Indians, Coloured, Whites, Blacks
Of this country have a serious problem
Tonight we have to face the facts
We have to look (Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
Look (Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
Listen (Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
Then decide (Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
There's something wrong somewhere (Come to me)
They have decided your fate
They have decided my fate
They have decided our fate
And yet we are trapped right here in this country
It's either we have to learn
To understand the word Capital letter T
The truth
Look (Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
Listen (Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
And decide (Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
What you're gonna do
The song "Zwakala Interlude" by Stimela addresses the issues of unity, oppression, and the need for change in South Africa during the apartheid era. The lyrics express a yearning for people to come together and confront the problems faced by the country.
The repeated phrase "Come to me" signifies a call for unity and togetherness. It suggests that by coming together, they can address and overcome the challenges they face. The mention of a "womb garden" indicates a desire for growth and nurturing, both individually and collectively.
The song acknowledges the existence of divisions within society. The mention of "four guys" refers to the different racial groups in South Africa: Indians, Coloureds, Whites, and Blacks. There is a recognition that these divisions have created a problem. However, the song emphasizes that within the space they are in, they are one big family. This highlights the importance of unity and overcoming divisions.
The repetition of the phrase "Bury apartheid tonight" signifies the desire to eradicate the system of apartheid. It is a call to action, urging people to face the reality of the situation and work towards ending the oppressive regime. By burying apartheid, they hope to also bury domination and oppression.
The lyrics express frustration with the fact that their fates have been decided by those in power. They feel trapped in a country where decisions are made for them without their consent. The song encourages listeners to look, listen, and decide for themselves. It urges them to seek the truth and understand the importance of facing the realities of their situation.
In summary, "Zwakala Interlude" by Stimela is a song that calls for unity, action, and a collective effort to overcome oppression and divisions. It expresses the frustration and desire for change during the apartheid era in South Africa. The lyrics encourage listeners to confront the truth and decide what actions they will take to address the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
I am talking
I have something important to say
I am talking about (Come to me)
I want to discuss a topic with you
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Come to me)
Please come to me
Would you come to me (Zwakala nganeno)
Are you willing to approach me?
Would you come to me (Zwakala nganeno)
Would you join me?
Come to my womb garden (Zwakala nganeno)
Join me in a nurturing and creative space
Feed me, feed me, feed me (Zwakala nganeno)
Nurture and support me
(Come to me)
Approach me
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Come to me)
Reach out to me
We're talking about these four guys
We are discussing a specific group of individuals
We have a problem
There is an issue we need to address
The problem is them outside there
The issue lies with those outside of our group
In here we are one
Within our group, we are united
One big family
We are like a close-knit family
Let us (Come to me)
We should come together and join forces
Bury apartheid tonight (Zwakala nganeno)
Put an end to apartheid right now
(Come to me)
Unite with me
We're gonna bury apartheid
We will overcome and eliminate apartheid
We're gonna bury domination
We will put an end to oppressive control
We're gonna bury oppression
We will overcome and eradicate oppression
Four people, Indians, Coloured, Whites, Blacks
Representatives from different racial groups
Of this country have a serious problem
There is a significant issue affecting this nation
Tonight we have to face the facts
We must confront and acknowledge the truth tonight
We have to look (Come to me)
We need to examine the situation closely
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Come to me)
Come together
Look (Come to me)
Pay attention (Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
Listen (Come to me)
Be attentive (Come to me)
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
(Come to me)
Come join me
Then decide (Zwakala nganeno)
Make a choice and take action
(Come to me)
Approach me
(Zwakala nganeno)
(Come to me)
There's something wrong somewhere (Come to me)
There is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently
They have decided your fate
Others have determined your destiny
They have decided my fate
Others have determined my destiny
They have decided our fate
Others have determined our destiny
And yet we are trapped right here in this country
Despite the circumstances, we remain confined within this nation
It's either we have to learn
We must acquire knowledge and understanding
To understand the word Capital letter T
To comprehend the truth and its significance
The truth
The reality
Look (Zwakala nganeno)
Observe carefully (Come to me)
(Come to me)
Join me
Listen (Zwakala nganeno)
Pay attention (Come to me)
(Come to me)
Approach me
And decide (Zwakala nganeno)
Make a choice (Come to me)
(Come to me)
Unite with me
What you're gonna do
The actions you will take
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHIKAPA PHIRI RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mpho
on See the World (Through the Eyes of a Child)
Love this song too much but never had an opportunity to know the rest of the message. i attended most of Stimela's concerts and this song has a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing this message. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nkini Moeng
on Zwakala (Come to Me)
I LOVE THE SONG VERY MUCH COULD YOU PLEASE ADD THE LYRICS.