Edited by Azizi Powell
[Additional comments & French translation added- January 27, 2018]
This pancocojams post is Part I of a two part series on South Africa's Joyous Celebration choir and the Xitsonga (Shangaan) song "Hi Hanya Mahala.
Part I of this series showcases a video of a Joyous Celebration choir (South Africa) featuring soloist Mercy Ndlovu singing her composition "Hi Hanya Mahala".
Part I also provides information about Joyous Celebration and information about Shangaan (Xitsonga ) language.
This post also includes selected comments from this video's discussion thread about the Joyous Celebration choir, about the song "Hi Hanya Mahala", and/or about that performance.
The lyrics to "Hi Hanya Mahala" in Shangaan) also included in these comments along with an English translation, and a French translation.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/01/comments-from-around-world-about.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases a video of Joyous Celebration singing "Hi Hanya Mahala". Part II also features examples of comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread which document the global reach of this Joyous Celebration's song and highlight the appreciation that people around the world feel for this song.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owner.
Thanks to Joyous Celebration and Mercy Ndlovu for their music.
Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
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Click the Joyous Celebration tag below to find other pancocojams posts that showcase this South African Gospel choir.
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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE Joyous Celebration - Hi Hanya Mahala (We are Living For Free) by Mercy Ndlovu (Joyous Celebration 16)
Sony Music Africa, Published on Mar 16, 2012
Hi Hanya Mahala features on the new Joyous Celebration 16 DVD - Live at Carnival City.
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INFORMATION ABOUT JOYOUS CELEBRATION
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyous_Celebration
"Joyous Celebration is a South African Gospel choir which was formed in 1994 following the success of South Africa's first democratic elections. What was merely meant to be a one-time studio project by South African musicians turned into a massive platform for upcoming South African artists. The choir has enjoyed success in South Africa and the rest of the African continent, having released 22 albums as of 2018. It is one of South Africa's most successful gospel choirs, following acts like The Soweto Gospel Choir.[1] ...
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Click for more information about Joyous Celebration. Also, click the "Joyous Celebration" tag below for more pancocojams posts about this South African choir.
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INFORMATION ABOUT SHANGAAN (XITSONGA)
From https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/shangaan
"Shangaan
NOUN plural shangaans
1. A member of the Tsonga people of southern Africa.
2. noun The Bantu language of the Shangaan.
[...]
Relating to the Shangaan or their language.
[...]
Origin
Probably named after the founding chief Soshangane."
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From http://www.changana.info/factsfigures/
"Changana - Local Language of Southern Africa
FACTS & FIGURES
4 million speakers
According to www.ethnologue.com over 4 million people speak Changana as their first language. It is mainly spoken in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Dialect or language?
Changana, Ronga, Xitswa and Tsonga are considered dialects of the same language. Tsonga is an official language spoken in Soutern Africa.
Changana vs. Ronga
In Mozambique, Ronga is the dialect which is mainly spoken around the capital Maputo. Changana is spoken in the southern provinces of Gaza and Inhambane.
Forbidden language
Under Portuguese Colonisation Changana was a forbidden and despised language. Even today in many local schools, the students are not allowed to speak Changana.
Swiss missionaries who came to Mozambique in the early 20th century started to teach the local Mozambicans in their Changana language."
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Here are two comments from this video's discussion thread about the word "mahala":
gzus4eva, 2013
"My daughter's middle name is Mahala.... Anybody know what it means in South African tho?? Thanks! :) Great song btw!"
-snip-
This comment exchange points out the fact that words that are spelled the same or similarly in different languages don't always have the same meaning.
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REPLY
imbabazane, 2013
"In Nguni Languages (Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi and Ndebele) it means : "Getting something for free" , in this context it used to imply that Jesus' Mercy is obtained for free"
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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
Here are selected comments from this video's discussion thread, including lyrics in Xhosa and their English translations.
These comments about this song are given in chronological order based on the year that they were published, with the oldest comments given first except for replies. Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only.
2012
1. Trevor Machimana
"this is injustice to a classic shangaan song, the pronunciation is off even the interpretation of the lead guitar scales is wrong... please consult before recording! if we are doing this to a local language what more abt nigerian gospel??????"
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REPLY
2. Itumeleng Mohlala
"great song, bt i agree, de singers could hv tried to say de correct words here, bt above all, a great song by JC...s always....luv it"
**
REPLY
3. Trevor Machimana
"The leader is shangaan its her duty to make sure the pronunciation and chord progressions including melodies are spot on, if Donnie McCklurkin could sing in zulu then we dont have excuses as south africans not to sing in another official language - if they want to hide behind mother tongues, then they must stop singing english songs and JC members who are sotho must only sing sotho songs and same must apply to zulu and xhosa"
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REPLY
4. Applepieudz
"@TMachimana you forget that most of these singers shangaan is not their mother tounge so please bear with them and enjoy the music...."
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5. RaymondandCo
"I'm not South African so I don't know about them not pronouncing words correctly, HOWEVER I DO know they 'delivered' this in SUCH a real and deep way that it's brought TEARS to my eyes and that's not something I experience often from hearing a youtube.... The LEAD singer, the drums, the music, THE CHOIR, the dancing, the liberty, the freedom, the fluidity, I could go on - I am SOOOOO touched right now! This project deserves a WORLD MUSIC AWARD in some BIG WORLD known Award! LORD LET IT BE AMEN!"
**
6. Hlongwa Gugu
"Im a Proud young woman Zulu.....Nd im soooooooooo inluv wit da song,although i dnt knw wat it means.Ryt nw I envy da ppl who r critising da style Joyous choose,I feel they did a gud job cause they Rhythm accomdatz othr ppl like my self who dont understand Shangaan..Great Work nd God Blss as you continue producing best music."
**
7. noZA67
"Great voices but dress is of great concern because the outside reflects what is in the heart. Its impossible to be something outside and be something different inside. I love joyous and the leader is great but lets have more of 'Godly fearing women covering' so the message delivered can find place in the hearts of those who are trully seeking God. I'm not condenming you children of God but I want us to preach the true message to people. Neither am I perfect but its good we admonish each other."
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REPLY
8. Zanele Skosana
"It's interesting that you come here not to listen to music & be blessed but rather to pass judgement on others. What scripture are you quoting that states "its impossible to be something outside and be different inside"? Hypocrites such as yourself keep people out of church because of pressure to wear expensive suits & pantihose so that we can conform to your standards & fit in with your ideology of what a "Godly Fearing woman" should dress like meanwhile your inside is filthy with sin & hate."
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9. tebza20
"nothing wrong with what they are wearing, they are singing in shangaan my mother tongue. the song simply says in God we live a free life, we conquer freely by just kneeling down and praying."
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2013
10. Albert Macharia [Lyrics in Shagaan]
"Here are the lyrics to the song: This song is a blessing to the body of christ
Hi Hanya Mahala (We are Living For Free) by Mercy Ndlovu (Joyous Celebration 16)
1:(Solo:) Ka Jeso wamahala na waku xava ulava wini?
(Between a Jesus you can buy and one that’s free which do you want?)
(All:) Ndzi lava mahala (I want the free one)
(Solo:) Ai angana yini? (What does He have?)
(All:) Angana vutomi, bya kuhanya na kuhanyisa, alokose
(He has life, life to live and to heal)
(repeat)
2: Jeso wa mafohloza, Iyo Aaah (Jesus cannot be defeated)
Hayi i Jeso wa mafohloza Iyo Aaah (Yes, Jesus cannot be defeated)
(repeat)
3: Hina hi hanya mahala ka Jesu (we are living for free through Jesus)
Hi hanya mahala, Hi hanya mahala
(We are living for free, We are living for free)
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi (Inside this evangelism)
(repeat)
4:Loko sathani a ku karata (when Satan troubles you)
Hita khinsama hansi hi khongela (kneel and pray and you will conquer)
Hi tahlula mahala (we shall win for free)
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi. (Inside this evangelism)
(repeat)
5:Loko miringo yiku karhata (When trials are overwhelming)
Unga heli matimba (Do not be weary)
Khisama hansi u khongela (Get down on your knees and pray)
Hikuva yena utaku hlulela (Because He will come through for you)
Hambi switika swivava (No matter how difficult your situation)
Unga heli matimba (He can save you)
Hikuva yena yena ntsena utaku hlulela (Because he alone can save)
Abyi xaviwi vutomi ka Jeso (We do not buy life in Christ)
Hi hanya mahala endzeni ka ivangeli leyi (We live for free inside this evangelism)
Chorus:
Hi tahlula mahala (we shall win for free)
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi. (Inside this evangelism)
Hi tahlula mahala (we shall win for free)
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi. (Inside this evangelism)"
**
11. pewa nakale
"I dont understand any word in ths song,but i so like it,every morning bfre i start wth my dairly work i hv to listen to it first."
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12. gzus4eva
"My daughter's middle name is Mahala.... Anybody know what it means in South African tho?? Thanks! :) Great song btw!"
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REPLY
13. imbabazane
"In Nguni Languages (Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi and Ndebele) it means : "Getting something for free" , in this context it used to imply that Jesus' Mercy is obtained for free"
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2014
14. Oretha Nimley
"I love all the songs on this "Joyous Celebration". I don't understand most of the songs, but you can tell from the performers and the artists that they are happily worshiping and praising God . Thanks for posting. It is wonderful to see how other people worship God. When it comes to worship we are one. "
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2015
15. MARIASHOW
"What is its language"
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REPLY
16. imbabazane
"+maria botuli Xitsonga, spoken in East of South Africa and Southern Mozambique"
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17. Meechy Met
"My favourite Xitsonga song of all times!!!!!"
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2016
18. Nyiko
"Its Xitsonga song, which is talking about Jesus who is free, and by living for free with Jesus(YESO). Hanya mahala (live for free) in the temple of God."
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19. christopher kgobokoe
"You are a light shining bright where God has placed you and a true salt giving flavour wherever you go, keep the good work, you will be rewarded both now and in heaven."
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20. Gloria Malatsi-Chisenga
"Wow Mercy killed it."
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"killed it" = an African American Vernacular English term meaning "was great"
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21. Ken Obat
"I'm totally in love with everything Joyous. What a powerful way to worship our God. This must touch every soul irrespective of whether you understand Zulu or not. Amazing!"
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REPLY
22. zuzuke nene
"Actually this song is Xitsonga/Shangaan, but I agree with you you..."
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23. H. George Teekpeh
"KEEP THE FLAG OF AFRICA WAVING"
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REPLY
24. Jaguar 636
"Africa is a continent and each country owns a flag , so I dont know what u mean by flag of Africa."
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2017
25. Benard Oguta
"what is the meaning of Hi hianya mahala?
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REPLY
26.Emma Mukami
"That drummer is simply amazing!!!!passion at its best, Go Sabu!!!!"
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27. Mmapela Tolamo
"dt guitar wa betsa n tate awesome"
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28. Hardeman oniniaina [French translation of these lyrics]
"J'adore cette chanson !!!!!! voici la traduction en Français , j'ai essayé de la traduire sur google traduction phrase par phrase pour les gens qui ne comprennent pas trop l'anglais comme moi."
Verse 1:
(Solo:) Ka Jeso wamahala na waku xava ulava wini?
(Between a Jesus you can buy and one that’s free which do you want?)
Entre Jesus vous pouvez acheter et celui qui est libre, lequel voulez-vous
(All:) Ndzi lava mahala (I want the free one)
Je veux le libre(gratuit)
(Solo:) Ai angana yini? (What does He have?)
Qu'a-t-il ?
(All:) Angana vutomi, bya kuhanya na kuhanyisa, alokose
(He has life, life to live and to heal)
Il est la vie, la vie pourvivre et guerir
(repeat)
Verse 2:
Jeso wa mafohloza, Iyo Aaah (Jesus cannot be defeated)
Jesus ne peut pas être battu
Hayi i Jeso wa mafohloza Iyo Aaah (Yes, Jesus cannot be defeated)
Oui, Jésus ne peut pas être battu.
(repeat)
Verse 3:
Hina hi hanya mahala ka Jesu (we are living for free through Jesus)
Nous vivons gratuitement par Jésus
Hi hanya mahala, Hi hanya mahala(We are living for free, We are living
for free)
Nous vivons gratuitement, Nous vivons gratuitement
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi (Inside this evangelism)
À l'intérieur de cet évangélisme
Verse 4:
Loko sathani a ku karata (when Satan troubles you)
Quand Satan vous dérange
Hita khinsama hansi hi khongela (kneel and pray and you will conquer)
Mettez-vous à genoux et priez et vous conquerrez
Hi tahlula mahala (we shall win for free)
Nous gagnerons gratuitement
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi. (Inside this evangelism)
À l'intérieur de cet évangélisme
(repeat)
Verse 5: (solo)
Loko miringo yiku karhata (When trials are overwhelming)
Quand les procès(essais) sont écrasants(accablants)
Unga heli matimba (Do not be weary)
Ne soyez pas las)
Khisama hansi u khongela (Get down on your knees and pray)
Descendez sur vos genoux et priez)
Hikuva yena utaku hlulela (Because He will come through for you)
Il peut vous sauver Parce qu'Il passera pour vous
Hambi switika swivava (No matter how difficult your situation)
Peu importe comment difficile votre situation
Unga heli matimba (He can save you)
Il peut vous sauver
Hikuva yena yena ntsena utaku hlulela (Because he alone can save)
Parce qu'il seul peut sauver(économiser
Abyi xaviwi vutomi ka Jeso (We do not buy life in Christ)
Nous n'achetons pas de vie dans Christ
Hi hanya mahala endzeni ka ivangeli leyi (We live for free
inside this evangelism)
Nous vivons pour libre(gratuit) à l'intérieur de cet évangélisme)
Chorus:
Hi tahlula mahala (we shall win for free)
Nous gagnerons gratuitement
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi. (Inside this evangelism)
À l'intérieur de cet évangélisme
Hi tahlula mahala (we shall win for free)
nous gagnerons gratuitement
Endzeni ka evangeli leyi. (Inside this evangelism)
À l'intérieur de cet évangélisme"
**
29. Grace Ackah
"dope performance"
-snip-
"dope" = an African American Vernacular English word meaning "great"
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30. Mmateboho Agnes
"This song never gets old for me, always blesses my soul! !♡♥♡"
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2018
31. debo adediran
"i have been listening to this songs for years. its hasnt gone dry in my ears. GOD was truly in the concert. pls whats the yellow thing they used to clap called and any suggestions where i can get it pls? thank you"
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REPLY
32. Mr R
"debo adediran
Traditionally, the Methodist Church which has influenced the gospel music and dancing in the RSA has been using cushions to bring out a beat when singing. Such beats were sometimes done without musical instruments. It is therefore upon such background that the popular Methodist feel is brought into the Joyous Celebration concerts."
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This concludes Part I of this pancocojams series.
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