Watch South African Gospel Choir Wow Audience in Chain Store With Powerful Rendition of Johnny Clegg's 'Asimbonanga' in Tribute to Mandela
In a fitting tribute to the love former South African President Nelson Mandela had for song and dance, Woolworth's South Africa recently collaborated with the Soweto Gospel Choir to create a moving rendition of Johnny Clegg's 'Asimbonanga' in one of their stores, and some viewers of the performance online have been confessing it left them in tears.
A video of the moving performance was posted on YouTube by the store on Monday and already it has been viewed more than a million times.
"This is truly incredible, watching it gave me goosebumps. Imagine the emotions of the people who experienced this beautiful Soweto Gospel Choir LIVE. Nice one Woolworths, in true Mandela style. WOW!" wrote Donna Matthews after listening to the performance.
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"Amazing!! This song goes from the ear straight into the heart!! I have great respect for the live [sic] and death of Mister Mandela, and I like it to see how he moves the masses even after he has died," noted Dominik Frank.
"I wasn't prepared for the waterworks to flow when I was watching this. Beautiful," said Tasha Lee.
In an earlier performance of the song by Clegg himself with Mr. Mandela on stage, the global icon expressed his love for music on stage when Clegg asked him if he had anything to share.
"Well it is music and dancing that makes me at peace with the world and at peace with myself," said Mandela.
The lyrics and meaning of the words from songmeanings.com are below.
Asimbonanga (We have not seen him)
Asimbonang' uMandela thina (We have not seen Mandela)
Laph'ekhona (In the place where he is)
Laph'ehleli khona (In the place where he is kept)
Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
Look across the Island into the Bay
We are all islands till comes the day
We cross the burning water
Chorus....
A seagull wings across the sea
Broken silence is what I dream
Who has the words to close the distance
Between you and me
Chorus....
Steve Biko, Victoria Mxenge
Neil Aggett
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina (we have not seen our brother)
Laph'ekhona (In the place where he is)
Laph'wafela khona (In the place where he died)
Hey wena (Hey you!)
Hey wena nawe (Hey you and you as well)
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona (When will we arrive at our destination)
