Umqombothi — Yvonne Chaka Chaka

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Translations are AI-generated and unedited. AI can make mistakes. When in doubt, trust someone who speaks the language.

Translations are AI-generated and unedited. AI can make mistakes. When in doubt, trust someone who speaks the language.

Umqombothi

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Xhosa

English

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Chorus (Opening)

Original	Translation	Notes
We MaDlamini	Hey woman of the Dlamini (clan)	Xhosa. 'MaDlamini' is a respectful address for a woman from the Dlamini clan, one of the most prominent Nguni clans. The 'Ma-' prefix denotes respect or 'mother of.' This is a call to gather people.
Uph'umqombothi	Where is the traditional beer?	Xhosa. 'Umqombothi' is traditional African sorghum beer, central to South African cultural gatherings and ceremonies.
We MaDlamini	Hey woman of the Dlamini	Xhosa. Repeated call.
Uph'umqombothi	Where is the traditional beer?	Xhosa. Repeated question.
We MaDlamini	Hey woman of the Dlamini	Xhosa.
Uph'umqombothi	Where is the traditional beer?	Xhosa.
We MaDlamini	Hey woman of the Dlamini	Xhosa.
Uph'umqombothi	Where is the traditional beer?	Xhosa.

Verse 1

Original	Translation	Notes
I work hard every day	I work hard every day	English.
To make my beer	To make my beer	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa word inserted.
Wake up early every morning	Wake up early every morning	English.
To please my people with African beer	To please my people with African beer	English. Brewing umqombothi is traditionally women's work and a sign of hospitality.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.

Verse 2

Original	Translation	Notes
I make sure the fire burns	I make sure the fire burns	English. The brewing process requires maintaining a fire for cooking the sorghum.
To make my beer	To make my beer	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.
My special beer Umqombothi	My special beer, traditional beer	English switches to Xhosa for the word 'Umqombothi.'
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.
Is African beer	Is African beer	English. Celebrating the cultural identity of this traditional brew.

Chorus

Original	Translation	Notes
We MaDlamini (Everybody)	Hey woman of the Dlamini (Everybody)	Xhosa phrase with English translation/interpretation in parentheses, calling everyone to join.
Uph'umqombothi (Come and drink my)	Where is the traditional beer? (Come and drink my)	Xhosa with English interpretive addition - an invitation to share the beer.
We MaDlamini (Magic beer)	Hey woman of the Dlamini (Magic beer)	Xhosa with English description. The beer is 'magic' because of its cultural power to bring people together.
Uph'umqombothi	Where is the traditional beer?	Xhosa.
We MaDlamini (Everybody)	Hey woman of the Dlamini (Everybody)	Xhosa with English.
Uph'umqombothi (Come and drink my)	Where is the traditional beer? (Come and drink my)	Xhosa with English.
We MaDlamini (African beer)	Hey woman of the Dlamini (African beer)	Xhosa with English description.
Uph'umqombothi	Where is the traditional beer?	Xhosa.

Verse 3

Original	Translation	Notes
I work hard to make them happy	I work hard to make them happy	English. The brewer's pride in serving the community.
Every weekend	Every weekend	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.
Makes them party to the rhythm	Makes them party to the rhythm	English. Umqombothi is central to social gatherings and celebrations.
Makes them dance	Makes them dance	English.
This magic beer	This magic beer	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.

Bridge

Original	Translation	Notes
I wanna make you happy	I wanna make you happy	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.
I wanna make you smile	I wanna make you smile	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.
I wanna make you dance	I wanna make you dance	English.
(Umqombothi)	(Traditional beer)	Xhosa.
Dance	Dance	English.
I'll make sure there's a party	I'll make sure there's a party	English.
Where they drink my special beer	Where they drink my special beer	English. The song celebrates umqombothi as a symbol of community, tradition, and African cultural pride.