In memory of Noluthando Mcira
Shortly before her passing earlier in 2021, Noluthando had written new lyrics for the song Nkosi Sikelela. In her words, this was to inspire “a new humanism for South Africa through love and imagination, a new prayer, [a] song of request must be sung.” We leave these words here as a trace of her last thoughts and ideas, her last call to humanity, her call to South Africans, to consider love as political act.
Nkosi sikelela (by Noluthando Mcira, 2021)
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Sibe moya munye
Nkosi siph’ uthando, olugcwele (God give us full love)
Sikhon’ ukhuphilisana kahle (So we can live together nicely)
Sibe moya munye (To be united in one spirit)
Siphele ngothando (To live with love)
Nkosi siph’ uthando, olugcwele (God give us full love)
Sikhon’ ukhuhlanisana kahle (So we can live together nicely) Siphile ngoVuyo neNtokozo (To live with happiness and gratitude) Sibe moya munye (To be united in one spirit)