Bawo Ndiyabonga (Bawo Song Choir) lead singer Phila Mpofu
Phila Mpofu, Sep 16, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofBKS6vSrS4
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Edited by Azizi Powell
This is a reprint of a 2023 pancocojams post that showcased this YouTube video of Phila Mpofu as lead singer for the song "Bawo Ndiyabonga". The title for this song appears to most often be given as "Ndikhokhele Bawo" or "Bawo". The English translation for "Ndikhokhele Bawo is "Lead Me Father".
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of this traditional isiXhosa hymn. This rendition of that song occurred during morning assembly by the Motherwell Center in Soqhayisa, South Africa. That song is also known online as "Bawo" or "Bawo Ndikhokhele".
The isiXhosa lyrics of this song are included in this pancocojams post along with their English translations. This post also presents a few comments from the discussion threads for a few comments from the discussion thread for two no longer available videos of Phila Mpofu singing lead for this song.
This pancocojams post also includes the visitor comments and my replies that were published for this 2023 pancocojams post on this song.
I plan to publish another pancocojams post of this video which will feature some comments from its discussion thread. When I publish that post I will add its link here.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to Phila Mpofu and all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.
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Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/03/south-african-schools-morning-assembly.html for Part I of a five part pancocojams series on South African schools morning assembly songs. Some of the videos in those posts are no longer available. However, those post include some comments from those now deleted YouTube videos.
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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE ABOUT THIS POST
This post is a copy of a 2023 pancocojams post entitled "Three Examples Of The South African Gospel Song "Ndikhokhele Bawo" ("Bawo") As Sung By Phila Mpofu And Other School Students."
If I remember correctly, the other two videos showed Phila Mpofu leading other students in renditions of this song during school or after-school.
The video that was #2 in the 2023 pancocojams post appeared to be the earliest published video example of a rendition of "Bawo" led Phila Mpofu that was found online as of Feb. 25, 2024. Some of these renditions may have occurred on different days.
Unfortunately, the first video of that song that is given above is the only one that still remains on YouTube. I had shared a few of those comments in the 2023 pancocojams post that was the original version of this 2026 post. Those comments are included in this 2026 post and I've deleted that post so that it wouldn't be confused with this updated post.
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Phila Mpofu is the lead singer for this South African high school's morning assembly rendition of the traditional isiXhosa hymn "Ndikhokhele Bawo". The name and location of that school is "Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School" in Motherwell township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
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Here's the summary of the first published video of this school's morning assembly rendition of "Bawo" that was published by Luthando Makanda:
"This video was taken on the 12 March 2023 at the Motherwell Center in Soqhayisa where we teach Grade 10 to 12s Mathematics and Science."
-end of quote-
Luthando Makanda eventually changed his screen name to "South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo". By at least August 2024, the YouTube account under that name had been closed. Of course, no reason was given for that action. I'm sorry about that, but I'm relieved that Phila Mpofu's video of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" remains on YouTube. I'm also glad that the video that remains includes the girl in the front moving in a stepping-like routine while she and others sing that powerful, beaautiful song.
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ONLINE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SONG "NDIKHOKHELE BAWO"
These quotes are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
Quote #1
https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/ndikhokhele-bawo-satb-print-ww1581
Ndikhokhele Bawo (SATB)*
..."Description:
A traditional Xhosa song that almost every black South African grew up singing in church. It is commonly sung during the Holy Communion, as it is significant to do so, considering the text."
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"SATB"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATB
"Choral music
Four-part harmony using soprano, alto, tenor and bass is a common scoring in classical music,[1][2][3][4] including chorales and most Bach cantatas.[5]"
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Quote #2
From https://arsingers.org/ndikhokhele-bawo/
"NDIKHOKHELE BAWO, October 23, 2020 "Ndikhokhele Bawo” – arr. Michael Barrett
"The text of Ndikhokhele Bawo comes from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” and is in the Xhosa language. This Bantu language falls into the category of Nguni languages, the same umbrella that contains Zulu; Xhosa is one of the most widely spoken languages in South Africa"
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QUOTE #3
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHHnztrFU9k
Ndikhokhele Bawo (Three-part Mixed) - arr. Michael Ryan
The Lorenz Corporation, Jan 29, 2019
"This authentic setting of a cherished isiXhosa folk song…"
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THE EARLIEST YOUTUBE EXAMPLE OF THIS SONG
There are multiple versions of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" on YouTube.
The earliest version of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" that I have found on YouTube is Mzansi Youth Choir, Jul 27, 2011, Producer, arranger and Conductor: Ralf Schmitt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioM2migkXiA
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LYRICS - NDIKHOKHELE BAWO
(Traditional IsiXhosa song, no composer/s identified)
" (originally sung in Xhosa)
Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundi kokhele (Lead me oh Father [Lead me])
Ndikhokhele mmeli wami (Lead me my savior)
Ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo (in all the sorrows of this world Father)
(Bawo, Bawo, Bawo) ( Father, Father, Father)
Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you)
Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect/keep me) (Repeat)
Thaluthele thuze kwami (You calm all my fears) x2
(Bawo, bawo, bawo) ( Father, Father, Father)
Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you)
Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect me)
Mmeli wami bawo uthaluthele thuze kwami (Father, Savior, you calm my fears)
Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you)
Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect me) (Repeat)
(Verse 2)
(Verse 1) "
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SELECTED YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREAD COMMENTS FROM TWO DISCUSSION THREADS FOR TWO YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT "BAWO" AS LED BY PHILA MPOFU
Numbers are given for referencing purposes only.
Pancocojams Editor's Note: Feb. 25, 2024- The video that is given at the top of this post isn't the original video that was uploaded on YouTube of this school's students singing that song.
The YouTube video that was originally given in this post that was given here as VIDEO #2 is no longer available. That video's title was entitled "ZundiKhokhele, Bawo Ngiyabonga, Usandigcinile (Female Leading Voice, Amazing)#worshipsong #school" and was published by in 2023 by Luthando Makanda whose online name is now "South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo".
When a YouTube video is deleted, the comments in its discussion thread are also deleted. Fortunately, I had retrieved some of the comments from that video and posted them to that 2023 pancocojams discussion thread before that YouTube video was deleted.
1. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023
"This version is the probably the best unplanned unorchestrated version ever. GLAD YOU could stop in and hear it. I HAVE THE SUBTITLED version of the song on the channel incase you want to get the English meaning"
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2.@moafrika8789, 2023
"That African reflex of having a dance and step to go with even the simplest of our songs is what makes us undeniably blessed as Africans."
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3. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023
"One of the African Phenomenas of our time, would you say it's worthy of study and research in our Higher Institutions of Learning"
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4. @sketemamma2563, 2023
"This gives me such chills. Not only is the lead singer immensely talented but the rest of the girls match her in their enthusiasm and energy. I love the way that girl in the front row is really feeling it. ๐ I went to school in Zimbabwe and miss these days - the assemblies, the hymns and the overall formality and respect we showed these gatherings. I wish Black kids here in the U.S. could experience this. Am proud of my little sisters. ❤️❤️❤️๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ"
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5. @jamesnjenga813, 2023
"What a way to start the day South Africans have sweet voices they sing sing soo effortlessly loving this from Kenya you guys are the best out choirs can't come close to what you guys can do"
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6. Luthando Makanda, 2023
"Thank you so much James hope this earns your subscription... and this was just an assembly, as spontaneous as can be"
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7. @truquetie8149, 2023
"NO MICROPHONE NEEDED! You can still hear her. ❤"
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8. @keemafleming9051, 2023
"I can listen to this over and over… her voice is so powerful and amazing, it brings me joy, sadness and comfort all at once… keep singing young lady… listening and watching out to see you again singing"
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9. @rutendokapezi4582, 2023
"When the camera focused on the lead I couldn’t believe it I thought she was on stage . So beautiful I started crying when I saw how calm she was leading with such power and poise ❤❤blessed"
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10. @aliciamcdonald7105, 2023
"The most amazing voice I have ever heard. NO mic, no auto tune, nothing but PURE UNADULTERATED passion and gifting by the MOST HIGH!"
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11. @priscillapolakie9684, 2023
"I remember my days every morning at school,,we used to start the day with a prayer,,those were the days ๐"
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12.
"It also reminds me of my childhood days when we used to pray and praise God. I am happy to see that there are still schools which have ‘assemblies’ ❤❤"
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13. @tiffanybrown5413,2023
"My brother found a clip of this on TikTok this morning and sent it to me. My spirit was IMMEDIATELY moved to tears before I even knew what these babies were singing. The lyrics took me over the top!! ❤๐๐พ๐๐พ You can literally FEEL the presence of the Holy Spirit. I had goosebumps and I have been listening to this song on repeat for the past 2 hours. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing with the rest of the world. Sending you all love from United States (Ohio)๐บ๐ฒ"
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Update: Oct. 18, 2023
Here's a comment exchange about this same high school singing another South African Gospel song entitled "Ndizolibonga Elakho Igama" (This explanation also pertains to that high school morning assembly's renditions of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j2lLj2jo5Y
1. @sibongilemncube5374,2023
"Do they rehearse ❤ they sound exceptional. Reminds me of assembly days yhuuuu. The coordination, love the concept of taking assembly time serious and having order which is what the God we serve is about"
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2. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023
"No they don't rehearse, but a synergy exist because when we have assembly they repeat certain songs allowing many to catch the
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Based on this comment and on another comment exchange in that video's discussion thread or in another discussion thread of a video that Luthando Makanda published about those high school students singing "Ndikhokhele Bawo", Luthando Makanda is a teacher at that high school.
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Selected Comments from the video given as Video #2 in this post [This video is no longer available on YouTube.]
1.@zuripenda, 2023
"So wonderful, those strong powerful voices and you know the dance moves me.
Thankful as always
Please greet them for me.
๐น๐น๐น๐น๐น๐น"
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2. @schoolassembly_gwijo,2023
"Thank you so much will pass on the greetings"
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3. @bthompson2192, 2023
"What a way to start the school day! We should all follow this everywhere in all schools. Just Beautiful"
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4. @reginaldsmith1556,2023
"Agree"
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5. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"It really is, and it gets us learners and Educators excited to get the day going."
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6. @uchennaorinya5701, 2023
"What's the title of this song? I want to download it."
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7. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"This a Medley that the kids in our school just randomly sang on the spot"
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8. @EmmahTendai-qt2ch,2023
"Wow️..
Which school is this."
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9. @schoolassembly_gwijo,2023
"It's at the premises of Soqhayisa but congregating various schools who are part of the ProMaths Kutlwanong Initiative to better Maths and Science in previously disadvantaged learners in Motherweฤบl Gqeberha'
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10. @perpsabraham6734,2023
"Which school is this kindly?"
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11. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"Combination of schools in Motherwell, but we using the premises of a school Called Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School."
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12. @sanelisiwemabaso8196, 2023
"This explains the two set of uniforms showing.... Beautifully sang, reminds me of my school days"
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13. @elizabethmoniloye2829,2023
"I don't understand a single word but I love this song and the way it's sang and the dance steps"
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14. @valentinemuziomhle5492, 2023
"I'm so touched this is what was supposed to be kept in schools unfortunately they've cancelled assembly time for what only God knows but keep this up it's so nice to start the day with this wonderful mood it makes a learner to even forget what happened at at home before living this is so lovely"
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15. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"Thank you so much @valentinemuziomuhle5492
we stay ever encouraged to continue as a movement this side to ensure that this inspiring tradition never fades, and you correct it directs the focus and attention of our Learners and they are able to aspire and reach for greater heights"
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COMMENTS FROM THE 2023 PANCOCOJAMS DISCUSSION THREAD
Zanese, greetings to you. Thanks for your comment which prompted me to visit this pancocojams post. I see that the videos given as #2 and #3 aren't available on YouTube because the YouTube account for Luthando Makanda ( South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo") Ihas been closed.
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I'm sorry that has happened. I wish Luthando Makanda well and thank him for introducing the Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School singers to the rest of the world.
That goodness that Phila Mpofu's YouTube account is still open although it doesn't appear to be very active. Phila Mpofu is the student whose singing is highlighted in that "Ndikhokhele Bawo song.Here's a link to a video of the song Ndikhokhele Bawo as sung at Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njtzubIVwt0 South Africa School Kids Sing Bawo. (FULL VERSION) published by Chef Allen Maddox, December 11, 2023
DeleteI shared that link for the historical and cultural record. I;m a subscriber of both these channels .However, I particularly encourage people to support the channel of this extraordinary soloist Phila Mpofu.
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showcase video #2 has been removed, it was my favourite song. Please Lord help me find it again.
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