Zabalaza is the first solo release from the South African kwaito performer,… Read Full Bio ↴Zabalaza is the first solo release from the South African kwaito performer, Thandiswa Mazwai. Before this album, Thandiswa was most famously known as the lead singer for the kwaito group Bongo Maffin. Zabalaza, Xhosa for Rebellion, is a shining example of the integrative style of kwaito, and Thandiswa has infused this album with the sounds of her roots: kwaito, traditional Xhosa music, mbaqanga, reggae, and even gospel music.

Ndiyahamba
Thandiswa Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
Tyhini ndiyahamba
Ndiyahamba
Niyahamba
Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
Tyhini ndiyahamba

Ndiyahamba

Ndixakekile. Ndixakekile.
Ndibona izimanga.
Ntliziyo yam
Isoloko ibuhlungu, ngemihlola ngemihlola
Apha emhlabeni heeh haa heeh haake?

Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
Tyhini ndiyahamba
Ndiyahamba
Ndiyahamba
Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambamnbambambambo yiiii
Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambamnbambambamba yiiii
Ndiyekeleni ndiyahaaaamba
Ndiyahamba hooo

Ndiyekeleni
Ndiyekele Ndihambe

Overall Meaning

The song "Ndiyahamba" by Thandiswa Mazwai speaks of a journey of self-discovery and freedom. The repeated phrase "Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba" means "allow me to go, let me go" in Xhosa, and it is repeated to emphasize the singer's desire for freedom. The following lines "Tyhini ndiyahamba, Ndiyahamba, niyahamba" mean "I am walking, I am going, you are going" and refer to others who may be on their own journeys.

The second verse expresses the singer's struggle with pain and the difficulties of life. The line "Ndixakekile, ndibona izimanga" means "I am confused, I see visions." The next line, "Ntliziyo yam isoloko ibuhlungu, ngemihlola ngemihlola" translates to "My heart is always in pain, with so much grief." The final line of the verse "Apha emhlabeni heeh haa heeh haake?" asks the question of where one can find relief in this world.

Overall, the song Ndiyahamba is a powerful expression of the need for freedom and the difficulty of the journey towards it. The repeated phrases and strong rhythm of the song emphasize the singer's determination to overcome the challenges she faces.

Line by Line Meaning

Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
I beg, let me continue my journey incessantly.

Tyhini ndiyahamba
I'm moving forward despite any obstacles.

Ndiyahamba
I'm moving forward, no matter the circumstances.

Niyahamba
You're moving forward too, come join me.

Ndixakekile. Ndixakekile.
I'm tired, I'm tired.

Ndibona izimanga.
I see wonders and marvels.

Ntliziyo yam
My heart

Isoloko ibuhlungu, ngemihlola ngemihlola
Is always in pain, continuously and repeatedly.

Apha emhlabeni heeh haa heeh haake?
In this world, what can I do?

Ndiyekeleni ndiyahambambambambamba
I beg, let me continue my journey incessantly.

Ndiyekeleni ndiyahaaaamba
I beg, let me continue moving forward.