Soweto Sounds: Hlanganani

Written by Hamilton Nzimande, the song Hlanganani was recently featured in the HBO/BBC series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

In the episode The Boy with an African Heart, the song can be heard at the very end of the episode and was the perfect ending to a great episode (I’m a big fan of the books/show).

Hlanganani means Unite in Zulu and this song of praise says that despite people being relocated, South Africa has come together as one nation with much hope for the future.

Lyrics:

Zulu Lyrics
I was unable to find the original Zulu lyrics. If you know them, please contact me. Thank you.

English Translation
Unite, Africans unite!
Be one in spirit
For our land has been destroyed.

Song Info:

The song can be found in the Choir’s Voices from Heaven album.

Soloists are Thando Ngqunge and Sibongile Makgathe.

Listen:

[audio:hlanganani.mp3]

Is there a particular song you would like to see be featured next? Leave a comment here or contact us.