TURTLE POWER! This week we teamed up with Zach B, ChewieCatt & MackOnTheBeat to bring you a song for one of our favorite franchises! TMNT! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was an awesome movie and the animation was top notch! We had to create our very own TMNT soundtrack!
-snip-
TMNT - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
****
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents information and examples of the isiZulu (South African) word "kuyabongwa" and information and examples of the English made up word "cowabunga".
This content presents my theory that the Zulu word "kuyabongwa" was either the source of the English made up word "cowabunga" or the similarity between the spelling (but not the pronunciation) of these two words is just an interesting coincidence.
Thanks to all those who contributed to the content for the videos that are embedded in this post...
****
COWABUNGA SHOWCASE VIDEO #2- HOWDY DOODY
SURFSTYLEY 4, Oct 23, 2011
"The term COWABUNGA was first said in 1953 by Chief Thunderthud on the Howdy Doody show. Spelled Kowabonga or Cowabonga by the show.
Here is a skit with Chief Thunderthud using the term on the last Howdy Doody show to air in 1960. Now i wait for comments about hiding bananas and such.
Surfers of the '60's having grown up with Howdy Doody as little kids started saying the word and spelled it Cowabunga by changing the O to a U probably because that's just how it sounded to them and they never saw the word in print, US Soldiers Fighting in Vietnam used the word i've been told, In 1965 Snoopy would think it while skateboarding or surfing, Rick Griffin drew Murphy Saying it while toting his surfboard around. In the 1970's Cookie Monster on Sesame Street would yell it out sometimes before eating something, though the one time he spelled it for the letter "K". K is for Kowabunga. Many people think Bart Simpson said it all the time but he didn't, What he usually said was Ay Caramba or Eat my Shorts or Don't have a Cow, Man, Most times you saw Bart on T-shirts or stickers saying "Cowabunga" while surfing. The Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles had Michelangelo saying Cowabunga. And sometimes Merv Griffin would say Cowabunga during his tv commercials promoting his tv show in the '70's.
Rumor was that Cowabonga was a secret curse word, The show claims it never was and it wasn't in the very beginning of the use of it on the show but watching this clip, you could easily use it to replace a swear word, "Oh no no no COWABONGA no that clown looks sillyer on television than in person".
-snip-
Here's the complete reprint of "https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Etymology/cowabunga "Cowabunga
Etymology
Unknown but generally credited (as "Kowa-Bunga")
to Edward Kean, writer of The Howdy Doody Show, a children's TV show that ran
in the USA from 1947 until 1956.[1] Chief Thunderthud, a character on the show,
started every sentence with the nonsense word "kawabonga" or with the
syllable "kawa"[2] followed by ordinary English words. Other Indian
characters of a different tribe, such as Chief Featherman or Princess
Summerfall Winterspring, used "kawagoopa" similarly, as a greeting or
to voice frustration or surprise.[3] The comic character Chief Thunderchicken
exclaimed "Kawa Chicken!". Chief Thunderthud was also occasionally
heard to exclaim "Kowaraschi" to express extreme frustration, perhaps
in reference to major league baseball player Vic Raschi, whose daughter
occasionally appeared in the Peanut Gallery (studio audience).
During the 1950s and 1960s surfers adopted
"kawabonga!" as a declaration of enthusiasm, changing the
pronunciation slightly to "cowabunga!".[3] "Kupaianaha" is
the Hawaiian word for surprising or wonderful[4] and it may have influenced
surfers who had grown up with Howdy Doody. "Cowabunga" appeared in a
1965 Peanuts cartoon in which Snoopy uses the word whilst surfing,[3] and in
surfer movies of the time. Its use continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s,
particularly as the catchphrase of Cookie Monster in the US children's
television program Sesame Street.[5]
The word was repopularized by the surferesque character
Michaelangelo in the 1987 US animated television program Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles[3] and subsequently by Bart Simpson,[3] usually while skateboarding.
(Although the The Simpsons' creators subsequently believed
"Cowabunga" was only used in the show after it was used as a slogan
on the T-shirts,[6] Bart actually used the term in the Tracy Ullman Shorts[7]
and in the first season episode "The Telltale Head".) It was later
used as a tagline for the 2002 film Lilo & Stitch.[3]"
Amatshitshi, Sep 22, 2023 -snip- "hands wash each other || it is appreciated" -snip- https://gogetfunding.com/blog-single-update/?blogpre=6212028&single=40239 posted by Jabulani Mashiyane, August 12, 2019 "There is a saying in Zulu that says "Izandla
ziyagezana" direct translation (hands wash each other), meaning that as a
people we help each other out." -snip- Here's another quote about that Zulu saying: https://www.facebook.com/utilitysystemswater/photos/a.182616309159544/871691956918639/?type=3 Inzalo Utility System, September 21, 2020 "There is an isiZulu proverb which says, "Izandla ziyagezana", meaning: "one hand washes another". We have adopted this saying, which is present in many other cultures, because we understand what it truly signifies. No one can rise without the help of another. No business can thrive without it's customers finding value in their offering. Here, at Inzalo, we understand that our customers, and their needs are our priority. We are, because You are." -snip- Here is the Google translate results from Zulu to English for the word "kuyabongwa" = "It is appreciated". -snip- Here's how I think that word is pronounced: "koo-yah-bon-gwa" -snip- Click https://www.facebook.com/everydayzulu/videos/bonga/631218093880090/for a Facebook page about the isiZulu word "bonga". Here's information from that page:
"Ngiyabonga is 'thank you'. Ngibonga is 'I thank'." -snip- https://www.names.org/n/bongiwe/about "Bongiwe is a Zulu and Xhosa (male/female) name that means "We give thanks". -snip- Additions and corrections are welcome. **** KUYABONGWA SHOWCASE VIDEO #2
chubbycheeks -kuyabongwa
chubbycheeks, Nov 5, 2023
Released on: 2023-02-10
Her song has gone viral on TikTok and earned her a seat in the South African music industry. Rising star ChubbyCheeks, real name is Mbali Buthelezi, has reached an incredible milestone in her blossoming career by achieving gold status for her debut single Kuyabongwa.
-snip-
Click https://www.paroles-musique.com/eng/ChubbyCheeks-Kuyabongwa-lyrics,p8704575for the Zulu lyrics of this song as sung by Chubby Cheeks.
ACAPELLA SOUTH AFRICA, Apr 4, 2023 #acapellaRSA #Gwijowave #GwijoLiyaphilisa -snip- A "gwijo" is a short song or chant that is sung to uplift (encourage/support) individuals and/or groups such as soldiers (similarly to military cadences in the United States) or athletic teams (similarly to the purpose of cheerleader cheers)*. In the sub-titles for this gwijo video, the word "kuyabongwa" is spelled "khubongwe". I haven't come across other examples of that spelling online.
In those subtitles the word "khubongwe" is given along with the word "omdale". Google translate gives the English translation for the Zulu word "omdale" as = "who created him".
This particular gwijo probably has its source in a Christian song.
This pancocojams post presents an excerpt of the Wikipedia page on Bantu languages.
This post also quotes selected comments from an online discussion about the Swahili term "tutaonana baadaye" (English translation: "See you later") and quotes other comments from that discussion thread about words that are similar to "tutaonana" in several other Bantu languages.
In addition, this pancocojams post quotes an entire 2013 blog post written by James Higby, a White American volunteering in South Africa. That post includes the Venda words "re do vhonana" which mean "See you later".
The content of this post is presented for linguistics and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
**** INFORMATION ABOUT BANTU LANGUAGES From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantu_languages "The Bantu languages... are a large family of languages spoken by the Bantu peoples throughout
sub-Saharan Africa.
The total number of Bantu languages ranges in the hundreds,
depending on the definition of "language" versus "dialect",
and is estimated at between 440 and 680 distinct languages.[2]
[...]
The total number of Bantu speakers is in the hundreds of
millions, estimated around 350 million in the mid-2010s (roughly 30% of the
total population of Africa or roughly 5% of world population).[4] Bantu
languages are largely spoken southeast of Cameroon, throughout Central Africa,
Southeast Africa and Southern Africa. About one-sixth of the Bantu speakers,
and about one-third of Bantu languages, are found in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo alone (c. 60 million speakers as of 2015). See list of Bantu peoples. [given as a sidebar of that Wikipedia page.]
The Bantu language with the largest total number of speakers
is Swahili; however, the majority of its speakers use it as a second language
(L1: c. 16 million, L2: 80 million, as of 2015).[5]
Other major Bantu languages include Zulu, with 27 million
speakers (15.7 million L2) and Shona, with about 11 million speakers (if
Manyika and Ndau are included).[6][7] Ethnologue separates the largely mutually
intelligible Kinyarwanda and Kirundi, which, if grouped together, have 20
million speakers.
[...]
Name
The similarity among dispersed Bantu languages had been
observed as early as the 17th century.[9] The term Bantu as a name for the
group was coined (as Bâ-ntu) by Wilhelm Bleek in 1857 or 1858, and popularised
in his Comparative Grammar of 1862.[10] He coined the term to represent the
word for 'people' in loosely reconstructed Proto-Bantu, from the plural noun
class prefix *ba- categorizing 'people', and the root *ntʊ̀- 'some (entity),
any' (e.g. Zulu 'uumuntu 'person', abantu 'people').
There is no indigenous term for the group, as Bantu-speaking
populations refer to themselves by their endonyms, but did not have a concept
for the larger ethno-linguistic phylum. Bleek's coinage was inspired by the
anthropological observation of groups frequently self-identifying as 'people'
or 'the true people' (as is the case, for example, with the term Khoekhoe, but
this is a kare 'praise address' and not an ethnic name).[11]
[…]
The prefix ba- specifically refers to people. Endonymically,
the term for cultural objects, including language, is formed with the ki- noun
class (Nguni ísi-), as in Kiswahili, 'coast language and culture,' and isiZulu,
'Zulu language and culture'."...
**** ONLINE EXCERPTS ABOUT WORDS THAT MEAN "SEE YOU LATER" IN VARIOUS BANTU LANGUAGES Excerpt #1 Google translate from Swahili to English: "tutaonana baadaye - See you later" -snip- Googe translate indicates that "baadaye" is a Swahili adverb that means "later"; "after", or "thereafter".
** Excerpt #2 Google translate from Zulu to English "sizobonana" = see you later -snip- Read about similar words in other Bantu languages in Excerpt #4, comment #7 and comment #8.
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: Here are selected comments from this discussion thread about this Swahili sentence. These comments are given in chronological order based on their publishing date with the oldest comments given first, except for replies. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.]
1. Manderjoy, Jun2 10, 2017 "We will see you later, Esther and Rashidi."
** Reply 2. Aloeinc, June 10, 2017 "Shouldn't it be "see you both later" as opposed to "see each other later"?"
** Reply 3. ElDoctr, August 16, 2017 "It is specifically "we will see each other later". The last -na in "tutaonana" makes it "each other".
** Reply 4. RowanM., Feb. 5, 2019 "I take it "ta" is the future tense marker, like "na" is used for the present tense (and "ma" or "me" or something for the past tense)?"
** Reply 5. Catriona, Feb. 5, 2019 “Yes, literally: "We will see each other later. -snip- The word "will" was written with bold font in that discussion thread, probably to highlight that word but not to emphasize it in the sentence.
** 6. Pablopublico, April 1, 2018 "-onana" is the reciprocal form ("to see each
other") of "-ona" ("to see").
** Reply 7. Tswelo, Nov. 22, 2018 "Amazing. I've noticed so many similarities between Swahili
and my home language South Sotho (Southern African). In my home language
there's "retlabonana" which means "we'll see each other {
..}". If said alone, it could imply "we'll see each other some other
time (in the near future)". Beautiful.
** Reply 8. TiyoKakaza, December 4, 2019 Tu = Re = Si = Re , ta = tla = za/ zo = do , ona = bona =
bona = vhona , -ana = -ana = -ana = -ana . tutaonana, sizobonana, sizabonana,
retlabonana, re do vhonana... If it was not for the Arabic words Southern
Africans could easily learn Swahili with its simpler grammar and familiar
vocab. It is a pity we do not also have Duolingo from one our languages.
Hopefully now that SADC has made Swahili an official language, we will have
more people to create for example a duolingo course that is bantu-bantu for
example been taught Swahili in Zulu as I think that makes the most sense.
-snip- From various online sources: "Tutaonana" is Swahili, "sizobonana" is Zulu, "sizavonana" is ?; "retlabonana" is Sotho, and "re do vhonana" is Venda.
**** Excerpt #5 From https://higbysafrica.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/lost-in-translation/ James Higby’s South Africa, Nov. 11, 2013 Lost in Translation "This is a bit about the local language, for those of you who
are interested in that sort of thing.
The language is called TshiVenda, (pronounced “Chi-Ven-Da” meaning the
language of Venda people. Venda is a
region in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
The place has high temperatures, beautiful mountains, delicious fruits
and some interesting traditions which I’ll talk about later. Venda people call themselves “VhaVenda”
(plural) or “MuVenda” (Singular), and they call people like me “VhaKhuwa” or
“MuKhuwa”. So the word for English, or
any other whitey language like German or Afrikaans is “TshiKhuwa”. Tshivenda is a somewhat obscure and
uncommonly known language. There are
many subtleties in pronunciation and every syllable ends with a vowel. There are no gender nouns like with romantic
languages, no gender specific pronouns even.
In fact, different pronouns confuse the living hell out of Venda
students learning English, so they usually just pick one and go with it for
everything. Like “he”, for example:
“James, my sister, he have got a problem with car. He [the car] is not running because battery. He [battery] is empty, so we must have
cables. Where is he? [the jumper
cables]. This is typical, but if you’re
laughing keep in mind that my Tshivenda must sound 100 times more messed up
than that because I’m constantly missing subtle pronunciation syntax. Now although the pronouns for “He” and “She”
are the same in Tshivenda, men and women have different greetings. When a man says hi, he says “Ndaa” when a
woman says hi she says “Aa”. There are
also different ways of addressing someone, a respectful (formal) way which you
should use when speaking to someone older than you, or the casual way which is
used between friends of the same age.
Contrary to my severely analytical nature, I have stopped
trying to translate Tshivenda literally in an attempt to understand it. The reasons for this are as follows: 1) For me, it’s usually impossible. 2) The literal translation is usually
ridiculous. Take this basic conversation
for example: The Bold is Tshivenda, the
Italics are the literal translation. At
the end I’ve recapped the conversation using non-literal, vernacular
translation.
Ndaa, Ndou. Hello, Elephant.
Ee Ndaa. Yes hello.
Vho vuwa hani? How are you waking up today?
Ndo vuwa zwavhudi.
Ndi vhudzisa ngeo? I woke up nicely.
I am inquiring about you.
Na nne ndo vuwa.
Ndi khou humbela u vhudzisa? And me I woke up.
I am politely asking to inquire.
Kha vha vhudzise. You may inquire.
Madi ndi gaee? Water is where?
Nga car wash [yes, they would actually say car wash with a
slight accent] At the car wash.
O Luga. Ndo
Livhuwa. Divine. I have
thanked you.
Ndi zwone, tshimbila zwhavhudi. You’re welcome, walk nicely.
Ndi zwone, re do vhonana. Goodbye, we will see each other.
So that was really just: “Hello sir.” “Well hello.” “How’s
it going?” “Pretty good, and yourself?” “Just fine. Can I please ask you something?” “Sure, ask
away” “Where can I find water?” “There’s some at the car wash” “Great. Thank you.” “You’re welcome, go well.” “OK bye, see you later”.
You may have noticed “Ndi Zwone” is a homonym, it means
either “You’re welcome” or “Goodbye” depending on context. It’s also interesting to note that although
the literal translation sounds goofy, they were both using the polite and
respectful form of addressing each other.
Make no mistake though, the informal is also goofy when translated
literally. And about that “Elephant”
thing, men really do say that and it really does mean elephant. The people of South Africa all have a
different animal which designates their “clan” or something like that, and in
the case of Venda it happens to be the elephant. Even the big town in the Venda region,
Thohoyandou, is literally Thoho (Head) ya (of) Ndou (Elephant). So Thoho = head, which brings me to my next
point: some words which are spelled the same have different meanings depending
on pronunciation. Thoho = head but if
you give the “T” a little bit more of a plosive sound it becomes “monkey”. Gezz!
Thoho ya mukhuwa hafta khou vhavha (This white man’s head/monkey hurts)."
**** Here are some comments from that blog's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only: 1. thabang Says: April 23, 2013 at 7:07 am "Its very interesting a lot of the words which are used in
venda are almost pronouced like zulu and pedi words"
** 2. Shudufhadzo Matumba Says: September 17, 2013 at 1:51 pm "Hi im Venda and ‘Madi ndi gaee?’ does not make sense, ‘Nga
Car Wash ” too lol Its ‘Maḓi a ngafhi/ a wanala ngafhi’ then the respose should
be ‘A car wash/A wanala car wash’.”…
** Reply 3. higbysafrica Says: October 2, 2013 at 7:28 pm "Yes, I wrote that post with less than 1 month of practical
Tshivenda speaking experience. Thanks for the corrections!"
This post showcases a YouTube video of "traditional" Zulu dancing*.
This post also presents selected comments from that video's discussion thread that reflect the pan-African** attitudes and beliefs that all people with some Black African descent share a common familial bond. Other comments in this compilation are about the dance itself, or are expressions of pride from Zulus, or are rebuttals or put downs of African Americans' comments that indicated their connection to Africa.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all others who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of this YouTube video.
*WARNING (for educators and others who work in public settings) - Some of the dancers in this video are women with their breasts uncovered. I've put the word "traditional" in quotations because traditionally females didn't perform this warriors dance.
**A longer statement about the meaning of "pan-Africanism" is given below.
****
WHAT "PAN-AFRICANISM" MEANS
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-Africanism
"Pan-Africanism is a worldwide intellectual movement that aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all people of African descent. Based upon a common fate going back to the Atlantic slave trade, the movement extends beyond continental Africans, with a substantial support base amongst the African diaspora in the Caribbean and the United States.[1] It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social, and political progress and aims to "unify and uplift" people of African descent.[2] The ideology asserts that the fate of all African peoples and countries are intertwined. At its core Pan-Africanism is "a belief that African peoples, both on the continent and in the diaspora, share not merely a common history, but a common destiny".[3]
-snip-
"Pan-Africanism" also may have political connotations. However, in this post I'm focusing on the meanings that are given above.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Professional Zulu Dancing
Tekweni, Published on Oct 27, 2012
Exciting traditional female and male Zulu Dancing. Filmed by Tekweni TV Productions, a television production company based in Durban South Africa. www.satvchannel.com 0027 31 2611034.
****
NOTES ABOUT THESE SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments are given in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube, with the oldest comments given first, except for comments. However, these comments may not be in consecutive order.
The comments in this compilation are only a sample up to this date of those comments whose subject matter is described above.
Sub-threads (comment exchanges) are noted by the word "reply" followed by the response comment/s. I also used four asterisks instead of two to mark the end of a sub-thread.
I've assigned numbers for referencing purposes only.
As per the policies of this blog, except for the word "damn", amended spelling is used for profanity. That amended spelling is indicated by the use of "&" symbol in place of one or more letters in those words.
For a few of these comments, I've added brief definitions or other explanatory comments. Additions & corrections are welcome.
2014
1. Moriyon Ipuole (BEATS BY WOLFMAN)
"someone please help interprete the intro lines"
**
Reply
2. Lindelwe Manqele
"Amazondo soneni...hatred! what have we done?"
Nampa bekhuluma ngathi soneni....we are the talk of people, what have we done bad?
Eish I tried my best its not easy to inteprete isiZulu
-snip-
Here's a definition of "eish" from http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=eish
"Used in South African English and Afrikaans to express exasperation or disbelief. The word was first transliterated from the Xhosa language to Afrikaans, and then into South African English."
"So, there's been ANOTHER power outage, hey, bru? Eish."
"Daar is petrol in Suid-Afrika??? Eish!"
#no way #really #is it #seriously #good grief
by Cpl. Springbok November 11, 2007...
****
3. bh5496
"Guys I'm pretty sure the little one is a little person/ midget. Look close at her face, and the fact that she dances so professionally."
****
2015
4. Will Pitsz
"Never seen nothing like this in my life. Powerful beat. I wish that I knew what they were saying."
**
Reply
5. Mzwandile Qwabe
"they were saying leave this earth with its things. it sounds better in zulu"
****
6. Bonneo Starr
"Makes me fee so proud to be a black man on planet Earth! Lets not compare family. we are all sons and daughters of the sun God Heru, both in Africa and America! We are one mind, one beat, one family."
**
7. LaDonna Victor1
"I am African American. Proud of my African heritage and American culture. The Zulu people are admired for their courage and strength throughout the world. Shaka Zulu was an amazing leader--and his descendants and people pay homage to his legacy through the celebration of their rich heritage."
**
8. Jewell Smith
"I love this! I am a black woman born in america, yet my African ancestors run deep in me. I can never her a drum a stay motionless. Why must we compare black americans to a black Africans? We/I am strong because of my African roots!! NO one can tell me anything different!!"
**
9. Black Beauty
"My mothetland Alkebulan.
Am so proud of being an ivoirien.
Your guys make me cry..so beautifull to watch you dancing with passion and love👍
One africa ❤"
****
10. Gmsrebukethetempter
"The negro of America and these people are 2 completely different people"
**
Reply
11. The 4th Horseman
"Blacks in America are a watered down version.Blacks basically dance the same way but it has been turned into sexual versions of the real thing."
**
Reply
12. B Moe
"Watered down version??"
**
Reply
13. The 4th Horseman
"Poor choice of words.But African dancing and singing is clearly an influence in black culture."
**
Reply
14. B Moe
"African american dance isn't watered down, it also isn't an influence. It is AFRICAN MUSIC AND DANCE, we are the descendants of AFRICANS. We are PROUD of THAT!
Anglo americans music, and dance is watered down, African inspired music...because they take it from US!
With the exception of these hebrews israelites, The vast majority of AFRICAN americans look at West and Central Africa as our ancestral homelands. We LOVE ALL AFRICANS, except arabs...we don't like arabs, of afrikaners, or boers!"
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hebrew_Israelites
"Black Hebrew Israelites (also called Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, and Hebrew Israelites) are groups of African Americans who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites. Black Hebrews adhere in varying degrees to the religious beliefs and practices of both Christianity and Judaism. They are not recognized as Jews by the greater Jewish community."
**
Reply
15. B Moe
"But we have nothing but love for the rest of yall"
**
Reply
16. marina nononsense
"+B Moe :)"
**
Reply
17. Gibbs Jakatiga
"+B Moe Thanks....When i watched tv in Africa as a child which was not often. I always asked my dad what's that tribe man doing on tv. I always thought all of you were from my tribe and that you spoke languages like Swahili. Growing up and school made me realise that some of our people were taken by force to the America as slaves. People have tried to bring differences between us but as a child i could realize that you are part of us...."Upendo, Umoja na Amani iwe na Wafrika wote" translation May Love, Unity and Peace prevail amongst Africans."
-snip-
Google translation of the Swahili words "Upendo, Umoja na Amani iwe na Wafrika wote" = "Love, Unity and Peace to all Africans"
****
18. Gmsrebukethetempter
"The negro of America and these people are 2 completely different people"
-snip-
Note that spelling "Negro" with a lower case "n" is probably an intentional putdown.
**
Reply
19. Brooke Lynn
"Lol. We're African decent. You're European decent. Blood doesn't change. And why do you insist on putting Black Americans down? ...
Because arrogance runs in your blood? Slave owner mentality. But you'd be proud of that.
FYI, you own no one."
****
20. Austin Moffatt
"chuckling at all the america-born-and-raised black kids talking sh&t* about white people like they literally came from w/e tribe this is in the video.
stfu kids you're american, not african."
**
Reply
21. John Moore
"Austin Moffatt: why you mad? It's just music, but despite 400yrs of bullsh&t it is still in the DNA of Black folks. You don't have to be mad about it, I'm sure your ancestors had some drums and pipes and sh&t, and danced around in traditional sh&t, like the Greeks. Stop Hating."
**
Reply
22. Zorgoon Trollstones
"you dumbarse. That's like saying Euromericans cannot identify with their English, German, Italian, French etc roots. Wow, what an outstandingly poor mental capacity you have sir."
**
Reply
23. The merc with a mouth
"+Skummelskog Trollbutt the point is the black kids in America cant identify with their roots they are too busy twearking and updating their twitter accounts"
**
Reply
24. Zorgoon Trollstones
"That's a stereotype. Twerking is an African dance that comes from the Congo. It's good to see African Americans getting interested in the motherland. It's a step forward and a beautiful thing, though they should know none of them are Zulu. Not even close."
**
Reply
25. Kiryu San
"I agree, I've lived in Swaziland. Black Americans and Africans could not be more different."
**
Reply
26. Metalicification
"At least Black Americans are becoming more aware of the lands that their ancestors were torn from by Europeans. Every Black American is a descendant from Africa. Let them watch, read, and understand the beautiful culture their fathers were from!"
**
Reply
27. icky mcboss
"Just because we where kept ignorant of our roots doesn't mean we are no longer of african decent. I had to get curious about my ancestors before I learned anything about them. My label may be American, but my blood says otherwise. We only have a cultural difference. Smh I hate living in America, most people here seem to be just as dull minded as you on just about anything."
-snip-
"smh" = "shake my head" in annoyance and/or exasperation, anger etc.
**
28. B Moe
"We are AFRICANS who live in america....honestly we chuckle at why you care so much."
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Reply
29. Zorgoon Trollstones
"DNA doesn't lie. An African anywhere in the world is still an African. Does an Asian American cease to be Asian because his family has lived on American soil for over 200 years? No. You are what you are. You are a European American. Is anyone contesting that, or blocking you from praising English things or Italian things or Irish things? No.so go find some other outlet for your unrest. Thanks!"
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30. B Moe
"I don't know why they are so worried about who we are? "
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31. Jeff Weeks
"+Metalicification let him know this is all white people have been doing separating black Americans from their culture because it threatens them . It has been the policy of the American government to separate the black man from the mother land ."
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32. LaDonna Victor
"Shaking my head at the perpetual ignorance of white people who know absolutely NOTHING about the origins of Black people on this earth. We're all descendants of AFRICA, idiot."
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33. Darren Moore
"+Kiryu San I would think so after 500 years of separation/alienation from the continent of our forbears. Same thing goes for whites in America. Aside from the English , how many of them can speak the languages of their ancestors etc. The only difference is that Europeans forfeited their identities willingly, whereas the African was beaten out of the black man in America as African culture/cultures were seen as alien and threatening to them."
**
Reply
34. Darren Moore
"White "Americans"= European descent
Black "Americans"= Americans of African "descent" Blacks in America have just as much right to explore their roots as American whites already do with Ireland, England, Italy etc. Many still call themselves by their ancestral homeland before American. Is it so wrong for Black Americans to claim their African ancestry. However, on the flip side, no one should hi jack another group's identity. I think that because blacks in America were stripped of their languages, religions, and ethnic identities and were forbidden to have them, that their descendants are striving so hard to find their roots. The slave trade did wonders to obliterate black peoples roots in Africa."
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35. RickyboyH
"Very talented group of people!
Greetings to my amaZulu brothers & sisters!"
****
2016
36. Tladi Busiswa Ayanda Staroro
"I'm so proud of the Africans whether you are from West, East or south Africa we are all blacks #lets unite and be one"
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37. Thembalethu The Curse
"yebo! proud Zulu! we appreciate the love from our American Brothers and Sisters. #one_love
-snip-
"Yebo" is Zulu for "yes".
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38. Christopher Barksdale
"I read all F&&k up white comments on here I am african american and been all over africa and seen trade routes 1000 years old to say Zulu's never traveled to Youba land or Nigeria or Benin, or even Etheopia is dumb as hell white people and some blacks just cannot accept african people knew of one another or worse think we to stupid to Travel even to Mexico where big ass black african heads are there looking at you saying we were here some look like Zulu's looooooooooooooooool"
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40. James Brohard
"+Christopher Barksdale Sorry you feel whites offend you, personally I think this video is energetic and beautiful. ALL PEOPLE ARE BEAUTIFUL. It's the spice of life that makes us different and for the most of us appreciate each other!!!!!! It's the few bad apples, not matter what race that screws it up for us. Please keep that in mind."
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Reply
41. Joe Ndluli
"Not sure what you mean by '...to say Zulu's never travelled to Youba land or Nigeria or Benin, or even Ethiopia...'. A quick clarification. The amaZulu are a Bantu ethnic group specific to Southern Africa. They are part of the Nguni super group which arrived in South Africa about 100 AD. (The origin of the Nguni is linked to a people who migrated southwards from Central/Southeast Africa over three millennia ago).
It was only in the 17th century that a man called “Zulu kaMalandela” (1627-1709) became the founder and chief of the Zulu clan. So prior to this there was no amaZulu. In fact, it was not too long ago that the famous Zulu King Shaka was ruler of the amaZulu (early 1800’s).
Ngitshele, ngizokhohlwa, ngibonise, ngingase ngikhumbule, ngimbandakanye, ngizoqonda.
-snip-
According to Google translate, "Ngitshele, ngizokhohlwa, ngibonise, ngingase ngikhumbule, ngimbandakanye, ngizoqonda" are Zulu words that translates in English to "Tell me, blot, Show me, I remember, to participate, we will gain."
-snip-
Is "blot" a form of the word "brother"?
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42. Aeri cah
"African American here to show my love and respect!"
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43. thiara sarr
"we love you too. african sister from Senegal"
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Reply
44. RoninAli1
"Peace. Love & Respect to the African family worldwide."
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45. stuffguy666
"American of African decent makes more scenes also you may have Caucasian in your DNA atleast 1 out 3 blacks in the USA are partly mixed."
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46. Chanell Monroe
"I love, love, love, seeing African culture like this! 💓"
-snip-
A screen photo for this commenter was of a young Black woman.
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Reply
47. thiara sarr
"we love you too lil sis!"
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48. ede imarhi
"Am an African, from Nigeria to be precise. The Chinese never hide their culture. The Indians, French, Italians, Germans, Portuguese etc. They all never hide their culture... so why should we? Let's promote our culture and hold our heads up high while we do it. We are beautiful. Am an African, yes I am, and I will not have it any other way. Cheers."
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49. King Tri - Gizanai
"i was thinking the same thing #respect from jamaica"
-snip-
Another commenter who praised this video identified himself [herself] as “Trini”
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50. TRUEFUNKSOULDIER
"SPEECHLESS! AND IN AWE! MOTHER AFRICA I LOVE YOU!!!"
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51. Tanner Herzman
"women are warriors in zulu culture as well?"
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52. Maggie Mc (The Wrong Princess)
"a bit late but yes, they were considered equal, we are after all"
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53. saucilips
"Now I see where I got my soul from. Thank you, Africa!"
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54. cocoa046
"Wow, this was amazing! I am an African American from the United States who was so awe struck at the Zulus drumming and dancing in the movie Shaka that I visited Durban and stayed in a traditional hut for 2 days in the place where the movie was made. about 7 years ago. I saw first hand what you all do!!! I was then and continue to be awe struck at the passion and skill you all have!!! Love you all!!"
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55. thiara sarr
"i'm african from Senegal west Africa. this vid is so amazing and beautiful, powerful dance. i love south african culture and to see these women dancing as warriors just make me proud to be African. God bless you and also our African American brothers and sisters who appreciate African cultures!"
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56. Christopher Barksdale
"dam i love ma people"
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57. Silver Cat
"I do to.This make a sister want to cry.I have not traveled to any part of the Motherland yet soon come tho.If God is willing"
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58. Lambilia Brown
"my beautiful mother land. no place can compare!!! this is why they are always taking from Africa."
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59. Luis Berrios Vela
"Nuestras raices negroides en el Perú...excelente..."
-snip-
Google translate from Spanish to English: "Our Negroid [Black] roots in Peru- excellant"
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60. Bhekani Zitha
"proud of my culture. just come to South Africa and you'll experience this marvelous piece of art! come to Nongoma, Msinga, Ulundi, Nquthu, and other rural areas so you can be captivated!!!!!!! #dope"
-snip-
The African American Vernacular English meaning of "#dope" = "great"/"exceptionally good" is probably meant here.
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61. Edith Thamae
"my zulu brothers n sisters never fail when it came to their culture they don't care who says what proudly south afri an!"
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62. Kimberly Banuet
"I AM PROUD TO BE AFRICAN AMERICAN AND I EMBRACE ALL THINGS THAT ARE PART OF MY ANCESTRY. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING. I SEE MUCH OF THE CULTURE THAT OUR ANCESTERS HELD ON TO DURING SLAVERY THROUGH MUCH OF OUR MUSICAL AND DANCE EXPRESSION HERE IN AMERICA."
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63. Arch Linux
"Zulus live in South Africa. I doubt they're part of your ancestry."
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64. Androidgames Or apps
"+Arch Linux true ,her ancestors are from west africa"
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65. Daniel fountain
"African American father of 3 here, showing my children our /their heritage. Much love!!"
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66. Ricky Smith
"This is so powerful I can vision myself doing this Zulu Dance.....Proud to be a part of this Heritage, I Am African American!!"
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67. Mike Pitts
"much love from African American brother great job"
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68. darbyryan1
"Zulu Culture, not African Culture"
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69. Giselle Thomas
"How can you be part of your mother and not your mothers child. Africa is a continent yes but has birthed many different cultures within the culture that is Africa."
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70. Dicky Cecil
"Zulu is an African tribe, but I see what your saying, african culture differentiates vastly across the enormous lands"
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71. Precious Mthembu
"I love my culture #ZuluPride"
This post provides information about and examples of the Zulu chant song "Nants Ingonyama" that is part of the Lion King's "Circle Of Life" song.
Information about Lebo M., the composer of the chant "Nants Ingonyama" is also given in this post.
This post also features two videos of the "Circle Of Life" song along with selected comments from these videos' discussion threads.
The content of this post is presented for etymological. cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to Lebo M. who composed the chant "Nants Ingonyama", and thanks to the Lion King producer Hans Zimmer, Elton Johns and Tim Rice, and all others that have popularized the Zulu word "ingonyama". In addition, thanks to all those who are featured in the videos that are featured in this post and thanks to the publishers of those videos on YouTube.
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INFORMATION ABOUT LEBO M.
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebo_M.
"Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake (born 20 May 1964)[1] is known as The Voice and Spirit of The Lion King and is a South African producer and composer most famous for arranging and performing music for The Lion King movies and stage productions. He was recommended to Disney by Hans Zimmer, the score composer of The Lion King, and was later hired to form and conduct the African choir that sang for the movies. His voice is the first voice heard in the beginning of the film, singing the now famous chant (often considered synonymous with the film's image in popular culture) over the opening sequence. He also contributed to the sequel to the film's soundtrack, Rhythm of the Pride Lands, and the film's direct-to-video sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.
Early life
Lebo M was born on 11 July 1964 in the Apartheid-ridden Soweto in Johannesburg, South Africa and was inspired by Nelson Mandela, he spent years working hard in the slums and then in Los Angeles in a variety of jobs, including begging and serving at McDonald's. He was exiled from South Africa in 1979, but returned 20 years later. He lives with his family in Johannesburg and Los Angeles. He founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment."...
-snip-
In addition to Disney’s Lion King’s movies, here are a few other movies that Lebo M has composed music for: Black Hawk Down, The Power of One, and The Color Purple”.
****
From http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/triviahttp:/
"German-born Hans Zimmer called in the services of his South African friend, Lebo M., to help provide some authenticity to the film's musical soundtrack. The two had previously collaborated on The Power of One (1992). It is Lebo M.'s call that you hear on the opening bars of "Circle of Life". He also wrote the African chant that underpins this stirring version of the song. Hans Zimmer had promised producer Don Hahn and directors Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers that he would get Lebo M. on the film. Zimmer then realized he had no idea where to find his his [sic] The Power of One (1992) collaborator but it all worked out as early one morning Lebo, seemingly out of the blue, showed up at Zimmer's house."
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FEATURED VIDEOS
These videos are presented in chronological order based on their publishing date on YouTube with the oldest dated video given first.
Example #1: Circle of Life - Disney's THE LION KING (Official Lyric Video)
Disney On Broadway, Published on Dec 10, 2013
Official lyric video for "Circle of Life" from THE LION KING.
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly rises from the mist. This is THE LION KING.
More than 70 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular - one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway . Tony Award winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway's most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award winning international singer/songwriters Elton John and Tim Rice.
There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING. Broadyway's Landmark Musical Event plays 8 times a week in the heart of Times Square at the Minskoff Theatre.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
mattxr2i, 2015
"Hmm. they still didn't put the lyrics of the background chant during "Circle of life" chorus. "Kalaliko bheki akale" I'm interested to find out what it means."
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Reply
Nikque LeDoux, November 2015
"+mattxr2i Don't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure there is no actual translation for it from Zulu to English. But I'm not 100% on that. :)
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Reply
mattxr2i, February 2016
"+Nikque LeDoux What I've been able to find after quite a bit of research is that the most likely lyrics are "Balek’ ingonyam’i ya gale’" "Run. The lion will attack" But I cannot confirm this for certain. http://spotlightarts.com/gms/AfricanLanguagesGuide.pdf"
**
MrUncleTings, November 2015
"That line in the background at 1:34 i've looked everywhere and i haven't found out the lyric to that part. sorry i dont know zulu so i can't understand it either way, im just curious"
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Reply
Psycho Ocelot, December 2015
""balek ingonyame yagale" it means "run, the lion will attack""
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Shell0517nj, November 2015
"there are 3 versions of this song. the play. the movie and Elton Johns video. all beautiful in song, lyrics and spirit. The play is breathtaking!"
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Example #2: THE LION KING Australia: Cast Sings Circle of Life on Flight Home from Brisbane
Disney On Broadway, Published on Apr 1, 2014
Australian cast member, Toni Stewart captured, this amazing impromptu 'Circle of Life' performance on a flight from Brisbane to Sydney. The cast had just had an amazing day at THE LION KING Brisbane season launch announcement
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
RedyyChuu, October 2015
..."Let me educate you, my dear friends. Circle of Life is actually two songs combined in one, the beginning (The Morning Call) which was sung by Lebo M and his choir (in Zulu) and then the main song that was written by Elton John and Tim Rice. All of this was composed by Hans Zimmer. So it's a collaboration and many people were involved, however it's not a song FROM Africa. Yes, it has African lyrics, but it was written and composed by many people for the movie The Lion King."
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Reply
melanin, October 2015
"+RedyyChuu the writers were inspired by African tradition"
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Reply
RedyyChuu, October 2015
"+melanin Indeed it is, sort of an on-going theme in the entire movie and soundtrack. I never said it wasn't."
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ZombieMIW, November 2015
"Music is the healing force of the universe
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kahiauandkeeaola808, February 2016
"The dad in the aisle missed his chance to raise his child up in the air like rafiiki did simba. Lol"
This post provides general information about the Zulu language and etymological information about the Zulu (South African) words for "lion". Three videos that include the word "ingonyama" in their titles are also featured in this post.
The content of this post is presented for etymological and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to South African composer Lebo M., Lion King producer Hans Zimmer, and all others that have popularized the Zulu word "ingonyama". In addition, thanks to all those who are featured in the videos that are featured in this post and thanks to the publishers of those videos on YouTube.
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE ZULU LANGUAGE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_language
"Zulu is the language of the Zulu people with about 10 million speakers, the vast majority (over 95%) of whom live in South Africa. Zulu is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa (24% of the population) as well as being understood by over 50% of the population (Ethnologue 2005). It became one of South Africa's eleven official languages in 1994.
According to Ethnologue,[5] it is the second most widely spoken Bantu language after Shona. Like many other Bantu languages, it is written using the Latin alphabet.
Geographical distribution
Geographical distribution of Zulu in South Africa: density of Zulu home-language speakers.
Zulu migrant populations have taken it [the Zulu language] to adjacent regions, especially to Zimbabwe, where Zulu is called (Northern) Ndebele.
Xhosa, the predominant language in the Eastern Cape, is often considered mutually intelligible with Zulu.[6]
Maho (2009) lists four dialects, central KwaZulu-Natal Zulu, northern Transvaal Zulu, eastern coastal Qwabe, and western coastal Cele.[4]
History
The Zulu, like Xhosa and other Nguni people, have lived in South Africa for a long time. The Zulu language possesses several click sounds typical of Southern African languages. These click sounds are not found in the rest of Africa. The Nguni people have lived together with other Southern tribes like the San and Khoi.
...The Zulu language is "Native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland".
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE ZULU WORDS FOR "LION"
From https://whitezulu.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/word-route-lo/
Word Route: -Lo Posted by WHITE ZULU on NOVEMBER 29, 2012
"Looking at the two letters above, it’s hard to imagine how significant they are in the language of the amaZulu. You may even be thinking I’m crazy, or lost, or both.
Let me show you.
-lo is the meaning portion (the root) of the noun isilo, which has izilo as its plural. It has numerous derivations, and one very particular cultural frame of reference – it is the title of the Zulu King.
Basically, though, it means
a) a wild beast, a wild carnivorous animal
b) a leopard, a lion (the term is particularly applied to these two beasts)
c) a red intestinal worm
d) prey, victim, target
...There are a number of terms of address for the Zulu King:
“IsiLo samaBandla! Wena weNdlovu! Ndabezitha! Bayethe! Inkosi yoHlanga! Ngonyama! etc.”
In this short burst, you have a number of different metaphors or links being created:
“Wild-Carnivore of-the-Assemblies-of-Men! Oh you of-the-Elephant! One-Spoken-of-by-Enemies! Bring-em-on! Lord of-the-Reeds! Lion! etc.”
It is because of these titles that the amaZulu do not use the word ‘ingonyama’ to mean ‘lion’ in common speech, nor do they use ‘isilo’ to mean ‘leopard’ – because of inhlonipho, the system of respect offered between people who are kin or bound by social agreement.
This is a system in which those portions of other words which contain the syllables of names of people of importance are rendered unusable because of that fact – so you cannot use the two syllables ‘-nyama-‘ to refer to ‘meat’ if you’re from the Zulu clan, as those syllables are part of the titles of the amaZulu – ngoNYAMA. You have to find a different word (a synonym) – and isiZulu uses iNgcosa to refer ngenhlonipho (politely) to meat.
Instead of Ngonyama meaning Lion, isiZulu uses the word i(li)Bhubhesi. Instead of isiLo, they use iNgwe.
The same inhlonipho requirements do not apply to the diminutives derived from isiLo – isilwana/e and isilonyakazane.
isilwana means ‘a small wild beast, a contemptible wild beast’ or ‘a small leopard’
isilwane has different meanings entirely: a) animal (domestic or wild); animal life; b) wild beast, ferocious animal (= isilo); c) animal or person of outstanding qualities.”...
-snip-
Italics were added by me to highlight these sentences.
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 1996
From: Steven Feierman
There is a set of ideas, related to meat eating, which connect to Shambaa kingship and might be relevant in other kingdoms. Animals are taken as tribute, and people say clearly that the king is the "owner" of all the animals in the land, and so is only taking what is his when he takes tribute. People understand, of course, that if he takes too much, his subjects will resist, so the "ownership" is conditional context-specific. The lion is related to this because the king descends upon cattle in much the way that a lion descends upon a cow, and "owns" it in much the same way. The set of associations makes clear, also, the relationship between force (lion-like) and the capacity to take tribute."
**
"Item number 1085, dated 96/01/24 09:49:13 -- ALL
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 09:49:13 -0500
Reply-To: H-NET List for African History
Sender: H-NET List for African History
From: Harold Marcus
Subject: Reply: "Ngwenyama"
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996
From: Colin Darch
I showed the recent postings on Siswati terminology to a Swazi colleague here at UWC, Mrs Mathokoza Nhlapo (mathokoza@lib.uwc.ac.za), and she commented as follows:
SiSwati culture uses a lot of animal symbolism. Whilst a lion is known as "libhubesi" like the Zulu "ibhubesi",and a leopard "ingwe" in SiSwati, ingwenyama (ingwe=leopard and -nyama=meat) specifically refers to lion in SiSwati but only in reference to the Swazi king. Lion and leopard have similar qualities and habits in many respects.
[end of quote]
I find J.S.Malan's contribution quite useful in his book *Swazi
Culture* (1985:11-12) when he says "the lion (Ingwenyama) and
the elephant (indlovu) appear together in Swazi cosmology as
most powerful and dominant animals...the king is titled and
addressed as "Ngwenyama" and his mother as "Ndlovukazi" (the
she-elephant). The lion is "characterised by bravery, strength
and cleverness but is also generous and aware of other's needs. t is a great meat-eater but only kills for food...The
Ngwenyama as king has qualities of the lion, king of animals, and the Ndovukazi as his mother, has the qualities of
the great she-elephant. The elephant is the largest of all the
animals, it is also the strongest, but no one has ever seen a
lion and an elephant fight. They are both strong and fearless, but do not attack without reason"
Regards
Colin Darch , Librarian, University of the Western Cape
-snip-
[phone numbers deleted]
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FEATURED VIDEOS
These videos are presented in chronological order based on their publishing date on YouTube with the oldest dated video given first.
Example #1: Ingonyama Drama and Dance Group
GreatGuidesOrg, Uploaded on Jun 16, 2010
The brilliant Ingonyama Dance and Drama troupe, based in Dete near Hwange Park in Zimbabwe, bring home their message about conservation through their amazing performances as they 'become' animals. Watch another video about Ingonyama on youtube and visit GreatGuides.Org for audio downloads, photos and writing and the project.
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Example #2: TACC East London Choir - Mombeleleni ingoma ingonyama
thomas mabuza, Published on Jul 16, 2015
TACC East London Choir sing a song saying sing for the Lion and dancing show casing the Traditional Choral Music which is one of the genre of Music at TACC. This is a son by the TACC East London Choristers dancing during the 2012 Apostle Day at East London Buffulo Stadium
-snip-
Here's information about TACC (Twelve Apostles Church Of Christ)
From http://www.twelveapostlescc.org/
"Twelve Apostles’ Church in Christ is an independent Apostolic Church with its Head Administration Office in East London, South Africa. Membership is well in excess of 4 million and it is anticipated that, when accurate figures are available later this year, membership will exceed 6 million.
Due to the political legacy of the previous (white) regime, the members are predominantly black Africans."
-snip-
According to Google translate "Mombeleleni ingoma ingonyama" is Xhosa for "Sing a Song Lion". When I looked up Google translate's Zulu to English translation of that sentence, the result I received was "Mombeleleni song lion". I think that correct translation is the one that was given in the video summary "Sing For The Lion". I wonder if this is a traditional Zulu (or Xhosa?) song. Also, I wonder if "the lion" that is referenced in that song is a referent for the Zulu king or is the animal "lion" (or "leopard"). Information about this song would be greatly appreciated.
-snip-
UPDATE: May 4, 2016
Here's a comment that was posted in response to those questions that I posted on this video's YouTube discussion thread:
Buntu Ngcebetsha, May 4, 2016
"+Azizi Powell This is a Xhosa song, it says "Sing a song for the Apostle Nongqunga for he is the Lion", as in Lion of Judea.."
-snip-
From http://www.twelveapostlescc.org/Read_SubPage.php?idSupPages=27
[Apostle Nongqunga is the] "Chief Apostle and President of Twelve Apostles' Church in Christ"
-snip-
As an aside, I happened to read this comment which I believe comes from South Africa one hour after it was posted on YouTube. I responded with a thank you note. That's the wonder of the worldwide Internet.
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Example #3: ingonyama
Foster Mabika, Published on Sep 11, 2015
Ingonyama Dance Group of Zimbabwe Dancing a traditional Ndebele dance at the launch of the Hwange Sanyati Biological Corridor. Video shot and edited by Foster Mabikahama, fostermabika@wordpress.com.
-snip-
To repeat a portion of the excerpt from Wikipedia's page on the Zulu language (link given above): "Zulu migrant populations have taken it [the Zulu language] to adjacent regions, especially to Zimbabwe, where Zulu is called (Northern) Ndebele."
-snip-
Update: March 28, 2016
Here's an email exchange that I had with the publisher of Video Example #3 on Video #3's YouTube discussion thread. The first comment was me thanking the video publisher and alerting him about this pancocojams post.)
Reply
Foster Mabika, March 28, 2016
"+Azizi Powell thanks a lot Azizi.. the kind of a dance is a traditional Ndebele dance found among st the Ndebele people of southern Zimbabwe. This kind of a dance you can aslo find it on the Zulu (South African) dance because the Ndebele people were the Zulus during Tshaka's time. This kind of dance is showing power. Usually perfomed by the male kind showing their virility. I will upload my other video sometime this week, that same dance group when they will be showcasing animal lifestyle (wildlife)
Regarding your statement that "the Ndebele people were the Zulus during Tshaka's time". I found this information from http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/people-south-africa-Ndebele :
Most Ndebele trace their ancestry to the area that is now called KwaZulu-Natal...
A third group, subjects of the Zulu leader Mzilikazi, fled north from Natal after his defeat by Shaka in 1817. Details of their incorporation into the South African Ndebele groups are confusing and under-researched, but it appears that Mzilikazi settled with a Ndebele group for a period before being defeated by the Voortrekkers in 1836. At this point he trekked over the Limpopo River to present day Zimbabwe, and settled in an area between the Limpopo and the Zambezi Rivers that later became known as Matabeleland. He is therefore credited as being the founder of the Ndebele in Zimbabwe."...
[end of quote]
Is the information on that site accurate? If not, could you suggest another (or other) websites for me and others who are trying to learn about the Ndebele people?"
Thanks again!
**
Update: March 29, 2016
Reply
Foster Mabika
"Thats great it seems you are doing your research well. That information is accurate.
I will try and see on my papers if i can get some dance information and send them to you as well.
Thank You"
-snip-
I wrote Foster Mabika back indicating that any information about this dance would be appreciated and invited him to visit this blog.
