Asikatali

Looking up versions of Asikatale because it was one interviewee's favourite song, I found this version by The Spinners from 1988. Hardened by frequent exposure to moving songs, hearing this made me choke up. A combination I think between this being a beautiful song - one of my own favourites to sing, the harmonies and spooky bass, and the total respect The Spinners obviously pay the song with their careful enunciation... 

Many street choirs combine singing this song to commemorate the struggle against apartheid and, at one through revised lyrics, to support the ongoing struggle of people in Palestine.

As a p.s. I noticed that The Spinners sing 'It's gonna take some real men' where we now sing ' real strength'. I wonder what we're singing today, with - like The Spinners - all our passion and the best will in the world, that will sound politically incorrect in the future? Which oppressions are we currently unaware of?


Asikatale
We are the children of Africa, 
And it's for freedom that we're fighting now
We are the children of Africa, 
And it's for freedom that we're fighting now
(Chorus:)
A heavy load, a heavy load, 
It's gonna take some real strength
A heavy load, a heavy load, 
It's gonna take some real strength
We do not care if we go to prison, 
If it's for freedom then we'll gladly go
We do not care if we go to prison, 
If it's for freedom then we'll gladly go
(Chorus)

They took our lands, they took our homes - 
How much longer will they bleed us?
They took our lands, they took our homes - 
How much longer will they bleed us?
(Chorus)
In Soweto, they shot us down, 
But we will stand up united
In Soweto, they shot us down, 
But we will stand up united
(Chorus)
(Zulu:)
Asikatali, nomas'ya bozh, sizimiseli nkululeko
Asikatali, nomas'ya bozh, sizimiseli nkululeko

(Chorus:)
Unzima lomtwalo, ufuna madoda
Unzima lomtwalo, ufuna madoda
(Chorus - in English)