Thula Mama: A Song of Comfort and Hope
Thula Mama is a traditional Zulu lullaby that means “Hush, mother”. It is sung by mothers to their children to soothe them and reassure them that everything will be alright. The song has a gentle melody and a simple rhythm that creates a sense of calm and peace.
The lyrics of Thula Mama are as follows:
Thula thul, thula baba, thula sana
Thul'umam 'uzobuya ekuseni
Thula thul, thula baba, thula sana
Thul'umam 'uzobuya ekuseni
Hush hush, hush baby, hush child
Hush, your mother will come back in the morning
Hush hush, hush baby, hush child
Hush, your mother will come back in the morning
The song reflects the reality of many mothers in South Africa who have to leave their children at home while they go to work or look for jobs. The song expresses the love and bond between the mother and the child, as well as the hope that they will be reunited soon.
Thula Mama is not only a lullaby, but also a song of resistance and solidarity. During the apartheid era, the song was used as a protest song by women who marched against the oppressive regime. The song was also sung by Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners in Robben Island as a way of comforting themselves and each other.
Today, Thula Mama is still a popular song in South Africa and beyond. It has been recorded by various artists, such as Miriam Makeba, Sibongile Khumalo, Freshlyground, and Vusi Mahlasela. It has also been adapted into different languages and styles, such as jazz, reggae, and gospel. Thula Mama is a song that transcends time and space, and carries a universal message of comfort and hope.
One of the most famous versions of Thula Mama is by Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa. She was a singer, activist, and icon of the anti-apartheid movement. She recorded Thula Mama in 1960, shortly after she was exiled from South Africa for speaking out against the regime. She sang the song in many of her concerts around the world, and introduced it to a global audience. She said that the song was “a prayer for all mothers who have to leave their children behind when they go looking for work”.
Another notable version of Thula Mama is by Freshlyground, a multi-racial band from South Africa that blends African and Western music. They recorded Thula Mama in 2004, as part of their album Nomvula. They sang the song in English and Zulu, and added a rap verse by their lead singer Zolani Mahola. The rap verse speaks about the challenges and joys of being a mother in modern South Africa. The song also features a sample of Miriam Makeba’s voice, as a tribute to her legacy.
Thula Mama is more than just a song. It is a cultural heritage that connects generations of mothers and children in South Africa and beyond. It is a source of inspiration and empowerment for women who face hardships and struggles in their lives. It is a celebration of motherhood and its beauty and strength. Thula Mama is a song that touches the hearts and souls of many people around the world.