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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “Umlilo Wami”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
Cold tried teeth on every plan; I warmed my hands on faithful hands. Shoes laced tight, I choose the fight; street cats slip through silver rain. Sukuma—stand. Khanyisa—land. We lift our chests; a spark walks the spine. Dust spins gold around our feet; wet concrete steams beneath our soles. Nkosi, khanyisa indlela yami— Gogo’s kettle hisses, “Bambelela.” We shoulder the gate; the bolt unlearns us, a red hush climbs the walls, windows breathing— Bambelela—keep the fire.
Alternative version
Cold tried teeth; it bit my plans. Metal chair, wet laces, numbed hands. Ngiz’ lungis’ izicathulo—tight. I lace my will; I choose the fight. Street cats slip through silver rain. I mark my path; I hold my lane. Sukuma—stand. Khanyisa—land. Rise and fight. Shine so bright. Oh khanyisa—oh khanyisa. Dust spins gold around our feet. Neighbours laugh; the groove feels sweet. Nkosi, khanyisa indlela yami— I shout it loud with all my family. Walls once tall now feel like doors; hinges sing—our stubborn oars. Sukuma—stand. Khanyisa—land. Not command but ember: a shoulder’s heat carries the match through wind and sleet. Rise and fight. Shine so bright. Oh khanyisa—oh khanyisa. Bambelela! — Yima, ungakhathali! Thatha igama! — Gcina umlilo! Rise and fight. Shine so bright… Khanyisa… night to light.
Lyrics
Oh… umlilo wami… Cold tried teeth, it bit my plans I warmed my hands on faithful hands Ngiz’ lungis’ izicathulo tight I lace my will, I choose the fight Street cats slip through silver rain I mark my path, I hold my lane Sukuma, stand Khanyisa, land Rise and fight Shine so bright Oh khanyisa, oh khanyisa Ey, ey… Dust spins gold around our feet Neighbors laugh, the groove feels sweet Nkosi, khanyisa indlela yami I shout it loud with all my family Walls once tall now feel like doors We drum the lock, we cross the floors Sukuma, stand Khanyisa, land Rise and fight Shine so bright Oh khanyisa, oh khanyisa [Call] Bambelela! [Response] Yima, ungakhathali! [Call] Thatha igama! [Response] Gcina umlilo! Rise and fight Shine so bright… Khanyisa… night to light…
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