Wits SDA Choir’s Powerful Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in Xhosa, Zulu & Shona… with English Translation

Here’s a beautiful version of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, performed by the Wits SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) choir last May… and with English subtitles.

Jason Frazer did the translations from Xhosa, Zulu and Shona (from Zimbabwe).

He says: “Such Harmony – Nkosi sikelel’iAfrika ?? – Ishe komborera iAfrika ?? – God Bless Africa. This is The Mighty Wits SDASM Choir. Apologies if the translation & lyrics are incorrect (I did my best).”

Jason says the rendition is not the full original version, but it’s the hymn that many sing in church.

According to Jason, this version (without the Shona part) “became really popular last year during the #FeesMustFall movement as the ‘decolonised Anthem’.”

Watch Mighty Wits SDASM Choir – Nkosi Sikelela iAfrica… with English subtitles

The words are:

Xhosa Part:
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa)
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, (May her spirit rise high up)

Zulu Part:
Yizwa imithandazo yethu, (Hear thou our prayers)
Sibe moya munye (To be united in one spirit)
Noma sekunzima emhlabeni (Even through hard times in this world)
Sihlukunyezwa kabuhlungu (When we are painfully abused)
Nkosi siph’ amandla okunqoba (Lord give us strength for victory)
Silwe nosathane. (To fight the devil) /react-text

Shona Part:
Ishe komborera iAfrica (God Bless Africa)
Ngaisimudzirwe zita rayo (May her name be exalted)
Inzwai miteuro yedu (Hear our prayers and petitions)
Ishe komborera,  (God Bless)
Isu, mhuri yayo. (Us her offspring/children)

The Mighty Wits SDASM Choir – Nkosi Sikelela iAfrica

Here’s a YouTube version but without the English subtitles

Watch a Vietnamese school class sing South Africa’s national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika