Miriam Makeba - Welela

from 1989's "Welela"

[@bafongalo8156]

And people think we started music with amapiano. They have no idea how talented South Africans are.

[@nanfwangdabiring1520]

Back in Nigeria we enjoyed people like her (Makeba) Joseph Shabalala, (Black mambazo), Hugh Masakela, Penwell Kunene, Paul Simon, Yvonne Chaka, Vicky Samson, Jabu Khanyile, Mbongeni Ngema. The list is endless, I am not down 👎 with this ampanpia

[@AndroNeverson]

Ewee❤

[@thestoryteller89]

In Nigeria we have always appreciated and grooved to South African sounds, from Chaka Chaka, Brenda, Lady smith mambozo the list goes on

[@bafongalo8156]

@@thestoryteller89 So the opposite is true my brother. Some of us appreciated Nigerian music way before the current Afrobeats became dominant in Nigeria. Big hitters like Dr. Alban, the Kuti family and more. I, especially, was very fond of Lagbaja. His story always fascinated me. I still need to do some extensive research on his life story.

[@jesseapeh9452]

Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s Thank you Mr DJ sold over 500k in Nigeria. We were obsessed with Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mariam Makeba, Brenda Fassie , Ladysmith Black Mabamzo, Ricardo and friends etc

[@olubunmibalogun1357]

Mama Africa sang this song as a lamentation for her mother who died while she was away and was refused entry into her home country to bury her mother in the days of apartheid in South Africa. May u continue to rest in peace and may your star continue to shine brighter!!

[@rakiyaogah1851]

I can imagine the pain she went through. Beautiful song though.

[@marlonholt40]

Down with imperialism. Africa's rising in color.

[@susanpereyeibo7576]

That really hurts but the apartheid is over

[@martezjones3197]

Thanks for the information

[@kenneth8434]

Thanks for the back story. The song is part of my childhood. Heard it almost every Sunday. I love the dance steps.

[@namoganematsepe4535]

Who else is listening to this great song during lockdown?

[@richardlubega2149]

Me

[@TEBOGO4U]

sisonke august2020

[@namoganematsepe4535]

WO Mmmmmhhhhhh💃💃

[@christopherbirot4878]

Me!😇🙌🏿

[@joannakostkowska6388]

Me :)

[@obizahara5108]

Am a Nigerian and I have been in love with this song like forever... Rest on mama...

[@Onkzit]

Much love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@njidekaobi3309]

@@Onkzit 💕

[@Recent_netizen]

Same here; One of the songs I grew up listening to

[@alexehis.o2940]

Same here..the song was one of the few songs that could put a smile on my face anytime I hear it😊. Although I never really understood it's meaning but I loved it still😊

[@luchulumanconanto6029]

Can't believe this song was recorded in 1989. It was far ahead of its time.

[@NomfundoV8]

What? Wow didn't know this amazing

[@nko6444]

I grew up on this song ❤️ from 🇳🇬

[@oscarpeterson1324]

Mama Africa lives on 2023, I knew when you passed on during 06', I was a kid, much love from Nigeria 🇳🇬

[@clairemakingit8687]

This song here makes me cry for how much I miss my mom everyday in Nigeria. I love her so much and wish that I could bring her here to America for a short while. I also miss Mariam Makeba mama Africa.

[@luciamcmaster6338]

Bless you and your mum. I hope from the bottom of my heart you can bring your mum to America.

[@olayiwolasegun1392]

This song was played on our local tv station in Nigeria, then I was just 4 years old. Good to hear this song again.

[@Nooroodin84]

same

[@jocelynemillien2740]

I like this song too. It makes me move.

[@g0neg1rlg0ne]

Sameeeee 😭😭

[@yondiyondipha4115]

grew up on this queen. one of the reasons why i make music today

[@olayiwolasegun1392]

@@yondiyondipha4115 that's good. She really inspires you

[@chibuzorigiri8232]

Each time i listen to dis song i cry 😭😭😭😭😭😭 bcus I've no mother again

[@Inubaye.]

Same here. She's a real Mama Africa...

[@alanizy100]

A song for her mom

[@Feeereemeers]

Just saw Mama Afrika in Birmingham UK, the story of Miriam Makeba, performed so beautifully by Anna Mudeka. I was blown away by her powerful story, of love, loss and determination to never give in ❤️

[@sthe_zar6341]

🇿🇦✊🏾.

[@RachealMwale-ot9qr]

Who is here 2024 April and may❤🎉😊

[@mishalah3361]

Me❤

[@RachealMwale-ot9qr]

@@mishalah3361 much love☺

[@nomathokazibelu3111]

Me❤

[@pamelamalemela]

September 2024🙋🏾‍♀️

[@charlesedet5374]

My childhood song. Here in Nigeria....love this song from the depth of my heart ......

[@etimsam]

Hello Charles. I loved this song so much growing up in Calabar, Nigeria in the early 1980s. In those days you didn't have the option of playing any music video that came to mind. We had a black n white National tv. Definitely brings back memories

[@rushikeshshimpi7258]

i am Indian n i am big fan of her. she is Queen.

[@AndroNeverson]

I'm from Angola, but i was born in cape town and my mom used to love this song, till the day she passed away, Nkosi Mama Zenzile Makeba🇿🇦❤️❤️❤️🇦🇴

[@morenablighthlatshwayo9651]

May she rest peacefully.. she is everything to this world.. I'm so proud being South African. DANKIE MAMA ❤❤

[@MICHONGOONLINETV-01]

Who is here in 2024🎉🎉

[@yanickbernadeau26]

I'm from the USA

[@ayzee5383]

I am ❤

[@AndroNeverson]

Meeeee❤

[@alwaysgood9970]

😊❤❤

[@uchennaakujobi9775]

Am here ❤ from Nigeria ❤

[@morganfreeman2955]

my absolute fav! haven't heard it in years! Glad I found it. Can't understand a word but it touches my soul

[@nokuthuladanisa8041]

It means crossing over 😊

[@mamankeita1711]

Mali

[@aweleuzoo2066]

@@nokuthuladanisa8041 thank you

[@NomfundoV8]

She's paying her respects to her mom who crossed over to the spiritual side.

[@LieslJames]

The song title Welela means to cross over. Miriam wrote the song in memory of her mother who died in South Africa while Miriam was still in exile (either in Europe or the US). Because Miriam was a fugitive in the apartheid regime in South Africa, she was unable to fly back and attend her mother's funeral. In the song Miriam is asking her mom to cross over the seas so she could be with her.

[@tanaaiyejina7407]

I played this song over and over again while aboard a brand new South African Airline from Joburg to Sao Paolo, Brazil in 2011. I put the song in repeat mode for about 10 hours we were airborne and my ears never went sore. It's a classic from Mama Africa. Rest on

[@samuelsuccess8107]

Wow!same with me in 2014.my ears were perfect for the repeat button all through the flight.

[@naomimothekge1135]

The way Ms Makeba dance is beautiful....

[@njidekaobi3309]

Am Nigerian but I love this song so much 😘💕...she's a legend 💪

[@immaculataonyeke8393]

Me too

[@florencenyandiko3136]

Such a pity we are loosing our culture.

[@donosoefe9817]

She made Africa proud

[@christabeluzezi3134]

Blessed is the Womb and hands of all my African sisters. You are the definition of real strength!

[@chinenyeigwegbe]

As an 80s kid, I grew up with the song in Nigeria. My father has the video tape. I still love the song till date. Very calm with classic beat.

[@AyodejiOduyingbo-rv2xt]

Great women of the world

[@MrJefuza]

You must play this song with an excellent sound system, you will thank me. I play this song almost every day!

[@idongessien2245]

Wow!! Thumbs up to KZbin that I can still relive the 80s!!! Don't know the meaning of the song but we kids in Lagos, Nigeria definitely vibed with this song then..Bless Up Diva M.Makeba, RIP Ma'am!

[@NomfundoV8]

She’s talking about her mother, honouring her and her passage to the other side. “Mother has transcended, crossed over.”

[@Sp8e]

When white folks used to be producers for african music- beautiful!!!, those trumpets at the back. African music doesnt need to any words, just the hyms alone will give you goose bumps.

[@seahlolo]

The production got my attention here and obviously the singing too.. powerful

[@stevemuldoon9451]

I haven't heard this in decades. What a gift to the world she was.

[@morenablighthlatshwayo9651]

I haven't listened to this song in like over 20 years... this song just played in my head... it's beeeen yeeeeeeears.. I'm glad... ❤

[@Mokonaizer]

Greatest South African music 🇿🇦

[@mizeratimiz7536]

Nostalgic feeling when I was around 4 years old when my father played dis song on video tape when xenophobia wasn't a drug that corrupt our generation , am a Nigeria and I love south African music .

[@hasnura1974]

legend, i felt in love with the song when i was a teenager..... what a song, so sweet even without knowing the lyrics...Lol

[@g0neg1rlg0ne]

This song brings tears to my eyes.. Rest on Mama Africa ❤️

[@TumekaPangwa]

The greatest song ever. So beautiful ❤

[@PrincessNhlapo-q3b]

Powerful Song!🖤👑

[@delightonailende620]

It's days like this I wish I was fluent in all languages because I get a sense she is saying something heavy. Bless you Miriam Makeba....

[@olamideobatomi8006]

Was dedicated to her mother...it was the height of Apartheid and she was not allowed to attend her mother's funeral...this was her tribute from exile.

[@kgampimmamogobo5258]

Welela means crossovers she dedicated it to her mother whom she could not burry as the apartheid government had banished her and evoked her passport from south Africa

[@delightonailende620]

@@kgampimmamogobo5258 Thank you so much for telling me this....

[@ifeomaokoronkwo7889]

I'm happy I found this song after so many years. I remember the first time I heard it as a youngster, and I have never forgotten it. Great Mama Africa!

[@tebogomokota912]

One of the most spirutual marriam Makeba hits ever,mayou continue resting in peace Mama Africa🇿🇦💫🙌🏿

[@Dumiphakathi]

when we were with African angels - siyakuthanda - siyakukhumbhula

[@yanelisamazwi6784]

I am a born free but I am so attached to this song

[@sbonelomhlongo9419]

Yanelisa Mazwi I can relate.

[@ayandamthimkhulu6806]

Same here

[@mzwandilemahlaba5029]

Hello ma born free's siyavuya ukuthi ni camper lana. Long live

[@sarahaduwa6931]

I remembered this tune in my head on march 20th 2024 and searched for it

[@alexehis.o2940]

This was my best jam as at 1993❤

[@ikechukwuchukwuedo7067]

The last time I listened to this song was 28 years ago. Now in 2021 still sound great! RIP Mama

[@clintydrealz3533]

Grew up with this song back then in Nigeria. Rest on mama Africa.

[@nikkysings5844]

One of my many favourites of her after all the clique ones !!!

[@barbarabutterfield2679]

I will always remember Miriam Makeba took the time to talk to me and my sister in NJ

[@ruthphilomena]

Chie! 😪😪😪😪😪😪This song bring backs memories Proudly Nigeria

[@ChikaOduah]

The first dancer looks like Brenda Fassie! This is still one of my favorite music videos of all time! African queens. I remember first watching this video on the BET music channel when I was in high school and I fell in love with Miriam Makeba from then on.

[@lionelbarnett5618]

She is Doreen Thobekile, who sadly passed away some years ago. The dancers are her old London-based dance/singing troupe Shikisha, with Julia Matunjwa (also deceased) and Betty Boo Hlela, all originally from Durban. I played for some time in their backing band in the 80s and 90s - they were terrific!

[@mphogetyese8229]

I love this song for a very long time. It makes me to miss my mom who passed away in 2001.

[@Lizzygbayibifashion]

Wow i have found this song after so many years. 😂❤❤❤

[@mlamulimoffatmchunu8917]

Men gathered around for a feast of soghurm, most commonly around the fire, as they would sing and call each other's clannames, stomping ground with excitement, that's what we call traditional dance.😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥💓💓💓💓🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦😱

[@baphithi]

Kuphi khona?

[@AustineB]

This song gave me peace as a child and I still enjoy it very much...don't understand the words but I love it

[@tonyarush29]

I agree

[@jenniembella8057]

Still listening in May 2022 from Cameroon 🇨🇲

[@opeoluwaalo8366]

Tears in my eyes… Africans, we’re supreme beings before westernisation 😭

[@IfeomaOhiaeriAmahia]

Wao!!! My bestie, I Iove this music & can play it over & over, without getting tired, rest on mama Africa.

[@petesnow2484]

from nigeria. brings back good childhood memories.

[@chuksbliss2575]

Now that's the sound of innocence... I could perceive my innocence once again... Was little when I first heard this young.. And it have always ringed in my soul... Dunno why but I think I have a connection to this song... This is the kind of music we need.... Pop songs are so messing with our heads... Instigating violence and depression... Wish I could go back to this year's... The good old days with my innocence and small thoughts

[@susanpereyeibo7576]

Such good times

[@olayiwolasegun1392]

The introduction of this video will catch one's attention.

[@sihlesoldati5593]

Happy Women's Day South Africa 💕

[@nzubeanieze-wu7zh]

One of my best music

[@emmanuelomena8840]

A matchless African minstrel! Miriam is in a class all her own...her voice and lyrics evoke nostalgia .

[@kekemohlapholi6123]

This video should be remastered it's too beautiful to fade away

[@keishabrooks1107]

I love this song. It's been stuck in head since the 90's. I use to watch the video on jukebox for those who remember (the jukebox music video channel) in the U.S. 🙏🏽❤ I'm still singing it in 2021. R.I.P. Mama Africa.

[@sthe_zar6341]

🇿🇦🙏🏾.

[@tonyarush29]

I remember you had to pay watch the videos lol

[@shingiraichikomo3846]

I love this woman, my mom called her my wife when I was young

[@samueldidi8002]

Mama Africa...God bless her soul!

[@philaphuza47]

Good music. Was very young toddler when i heard this song

[@w.worldwide9473]

A born free in love with the melodic ancestral sound of the music. 😍😍😍

[@rakiyaogah1851]

I have been repeating this song all day. It brings back childhood memories, I remember trying to dance like the dancers.

[@khalifahabdulkadiri4281]

Rest on mama Africa

[@topesakoto7446]

I found peace in the core of me as a teenager I started loving this song and still gives me chills and nostalgia to this day

[@mthobelifarm4333]

this is legendary song , may her soul rest in peace.

[@alishaddadi6667]

My grande mom Love IS songs verry reste in péace bi malika from Congo

[@boxfan8251]

What a tune this is. Reminds me of my younger years. Pure and African.

[@rudzanimakahane6037]

Forever we are here, 2024 and beyond

[@Barr.Emmanuella]

One of Africa’s best🙏🏽❤️

[@Victor14829]

So many of us with childhood memories - Miriam Makeba, an icon.

[@tadnashgunz2355]

My Spotify unearthed this classic 2 weeks ago, feeling a little homesick i was listening to Trompies and the like then this came up as a suggested song i hummed along instantly ❤

[@Nooroodin84]

this song comes on in the beginning of this show called hits back in the early 90s. man i've been looking for it everywhere. my god the memories. what a song. miriam makeba is an african legend. love you

[@ernestbaloyi9761]

2021 we love you still Makeba...

[@selokelamichaelsengakana250]

From LP to Cassette,,, now we are here. Classic of all times

[@lesangmorele7089]

This so beautiful. Africa is blessed

[@dawnpaige3648]

I remember the video but I didn't hear this song being played too much as well. But I see the video and loved the song and the video. Miriam Makeba will be surely missed as well. RIP to Miriam Makeba.

[@Amapiano_central01]

2023 still listing to this banger

[@zealzeal4334]

This song Don tey well well, chai i con remember my childhood... OOOOH LORD of mercy.....

[@lilymboti2796]

I embrace my rich African heritage 🙌🏻

[@crystalclear6411]

This really brings back some good old memories

[@samuelsuccess8107]

So much great memories.i use to watch her on NTA then when i was a little boy.love you real good mama africa

[@africanbeat7100]

The song really touched my soul even though I don't understand it, KZbin has connect me to so many songs

[@gnikcohs]

A great musical talent who cleared the way for many others and who opened many minds to the richness of African music

[@charlesr7690]

Tremendous, I have watched this video countless time and each time it is like the first time I watched it. The back up singer as well as Miriam are class personified. Miriam Makeba was truly one of the greatest.

[@sabdatyusuf4119]

Nostalgic! Rest On Mama Africa

[@abelazuh]

My evergreen and all time best African song.

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

She’s so beautiful it puts a lump in my throat.

[@mlamulimoffatmchunu8917]

In my point of view, it's a fusion of various ethnic spirituality, Reminds me of my childhood moments in Upper Edendale, Pietermaritzburg 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🇿🇦🇿🇦💓💓💓💓💓🔥🔥😧😧😧😧😧😧 These were the times.😒😒😒😒😒🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@LollyP]

Awesome song one of my favorite

[@jenniferkokoskakadash7781]

I love your mysteries and your ways of your souls and personalities especially music voices and dances

[@Davewest85]

It took a year but i found this song. First heard it at 9 years old I loved it because of the beat I love it more now. It's 2023 I just lost my mom she loved this song every time I hear this track I see her dancing to it. Miss her so much😔😔

[@chimaewurum3748]

classic childhood memory. still love it! evergreen!

[@emeozodioha1295]

When I look in your eyes mama Africa I see the same fire that burns in mine