When the Siyabuya movement was founded in March 2021, one of our key objectives was to inspire, empower and give hope to millions of South Africans who had suffered directly or indirectly from the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Siyabuya means “to come back”. We chose that name because we believed that South Africa could come back stronger from the pandemic, and we wanted to unite people and organisations who shared this belief and were actively helping others.
We also wanted a song – a Siyabuya song – that would both entertain and educate. We wanted a song that would spread enthusiasm, inspire action to provide jobs and encourage the vaccinations that are a prerequisite for the economic growth the country so desperately needs.
Who better to turn to than a popular marimba band, sharing the same name? The Siyabuya Marimba Band entertains locals and tourists at venues such as Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, but it, too, had been affected by the lockdowns and the dearth or foreign visitors.
Agreement was soon reached. Max Nkala and his six-member marimba band worked with Melene Rossouw, campaign lead of the Siyabuya movement to get the combination of a catchy tune and lyrics that would spread the belief that recovery is possible if everybody works for it.
The result is the Siyabuya song. We hope it will both inspire and give hope to South Africans battered by the pandemic and looking to rise up, to restore their livelihoods and to help the nation to come back stronger.
The lyrics, in isiZulu, show determination to come back and win, through working together – stand together, don’t give up hope and all will be well. That’s the Siyabuya message.
It is available to television, radio and music stations for no charge other than royalties, which go to the Siyabuya Marimba band.
Play or download the song:
Read the lyrics:
Lyrics of “Siyabuya” by the Siyabuya Marimba Band.
Siyabuya (we coming back)
Konke Kuzolunga (all will be well)
Siyabuya (we coming back)
Masinga Pheli Amandla (let’s not give up)
Siyabuya (we coming back)
Masibambaneni (let’s hold each other)
Yes we’re gonna rise up!
Siyabuya (we coming back)
Konke Kuzolunga (all will be well)
Siyabuya (we coming back)
Masinga pheli themba bo (let’s not give up hope)
Siyabuya (we coming Back}
Masithandaneni (let’s love each other)
Yes we’re gonna rise up!
Masibambaneni (let’s hold each other)
Yes we’re gonna rise up!
Africa Burwa (South Africa)
Masithandaneni (let’s love each other)
Yes we’re gonna rise up!
Mzantsi Africa (South Africa)
Masibambaneni (let’s hold each other)
Yes we’re gonna rise up!
Let’s stand together
Masithandaneni (let’s love each other)
Yes we’re gonna rise up!
Masibambaneni (let’s hold each other)
Masihlanganeni (let’s come together)
Artists:
Lead vocalist – Titi Tsira
Sorpano marimba – Mandla Msaba
Tenor marimba – Maxwell Nkala
Bass marimba – Cecil Nkala
Drummer – Khaya Mlawuli
Trumpet -Alizwa Tyala