Soweto Sounds: Thula Baba

Thula Baba is a popular Zulu lullaby.

The lullaby is sung by a mother to her child, as they await the return of their husband/father who has gone away to work.

It’s a beautiful song with a powerful message.  Simply lovely.

The famous South African musical Umoja does a wonderful rendition of this song, too.

Lyrics:

Zulu Lyrics

Thula thul, thula baba, thula sana,
Tul’ubab ‘uzobuya ekuseni
Thula thul, thula baba, thula sana,
Tul’ubab ‘uzobuya ekuseni

Kukh’in khan-yezi, zi-holel’ u baba,
Zim-khan yi-sela indlel’e ziyak-haya,
Sobe sik hona xa bonke be-shoyo,
Be-thi bu-yela u-bu-ye le khaya,

Thula thula thula baba,
Thula thula thula sana,
Thula thula thula baba,
Thula thula thula san.

English Translation

Keep quiet my child
Keep quiet my baby

Be quiet, daddy will be home by dawn
There’s a star that will lead him home
The star will brighten his way home
The hills and stones are still the same my love

My life has changed, yes my life has changed
The children grow but you don’t know my love
The children grew but you don’t see them grow

Song Info:

The Choir’s version of Thula Baba can be found in the Voices From Heaven album.

Thembisa Khuzwayo provides the beautiful lead vocals in the song.

Listen:

[audio:thula-baba.mp3]

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