Inkululeko
Ne’mpumelelo
Intsikelelo
No khuseleko
Bambelela wena mntana ka ma
Qinisela wena mntana ka ma
Uzo phumelela wena mntana ka ma
Lilizela wena mntana ka ma
Bambelela wena
Qinisela wena
Uzo phumelela
Lilizela wena
Mantra (pronounced by the band as M-uh-ntr-uh) is a meditation on the self. Directed to mntana ka ma - meaning "child of the soil" - the lyrics express a series of positive self-aspirations. By chanting this mantra, we affirm our identities and seek protection for ourselves and our spirits in everyday life.
While mntana ka ma can be directly translated as "mother's son," in IsiXhosa and IsiZulu contexts, ma encompasses a broader understanding. Mntana Ka Ma symbolises a universal child, a child of the soil.
The phrase lilizela wena mntana ka ma, which we interpret as a call to celebrate, can also specifically mean a call to ululate. Ululation is a vocal technique practised around the world, and in the South African context, is often used during moments of celebration, such as weddings.
Language: isiXhosa — spoken primarily in South Africa's Eastern and Western Cape provinces.